Photosol, first winner of the AO CRE PPE2, launches construction of its largest project in France
Photosol, a subsidiary of the Rubis Group, wins a 257 MWc solar project portfolio in the CRE (Energy Regulation Commission) tender and can now start the construction of a 200 MWc park at the former airbase in Creil.
This success marks a record since the start of the tender process in France in 2011. Among these projects, the Creil plant, the second largest in France, will produce the equivalent of the annual consumption of 85,000 households.
Finally, Photosol is accelerating its expansion in Spain with the acquisition of three projects with a capacity of nearly 30 MWc, which will produce the equivalent of the annual consumption of 20,000 households.
Winner of the CRE Tender
In the “ground-mounted plants” category, Photosol won 17% of the 1,519 MWc awarded in the fourth round of the CRE tender. These projects will enter construction between 2024 and 2025. This significant market share confirms our leadership position in solar electricity production in France.
Creil Photovoltaic Project
Initiated in 2019 through a call for expressions of interest (AMI) led by the Ministry of the Armed Forces, the project aims to repurpose the land of the former Creil military base in Oise, covering 253 hectares decommissioned since 2016. Awarded this AMI, Photosol is developing this 200 MWc project on 147 hectares of land, the largest photovoltaic installation of the “Place au Soleil” plan from the Ministry of the Armed Forces.
The project, which will create jobs, will produce 188 GWh annually (equivalent to the consumption of 85,000 households) and will contribute not only to achieving the national objectives of the Multiannual Energy Program but also to the ambition to develop solar energy in the Hauts-de-France region. The estimated investment for this plant is around €130 million.
Deployment in Spain
In line with its development strategy in Spain, Photosol announces the acquisition of three ready-to-build projects in the Alicante region (municipality of Algorfa). Once commissioned in the second half of 2025, these parks will produce the equivalent of the annual consumption of 20,000 households. Additionally, the project pipeline in Spain has reached 300 MWc.
Photosol is thus reinforcing its leadership position in France and accelerating its expansion across Europe. Clarisse Gobin-Swiecznik, Manager at Rubis, comments: “These projects illustrate the Group’s strategy to develop renewable energy production to reach 25% of its EBITDA by 2030. These successes reward the expertise of the teams and demonstrate Photosol’s competitiveness in these future markets. We are excited about these new developments, which will contribute to making Rubis Group a major player in renewables in Europe.”
About Photosol
Founded in 2008, Photosol is one of France’s leading photovoltaic electricity producers. With more than 540 MWc in operation and under construction and 3.7 GWc under development in France, Photosol is positioned among the historical leaders in the solar sector. Specializing in ground-mounted installations, agrivoltaics, degraded lands, agricultural and commercial rooftops, and parking canopies, Photosol develops and installs projects that add value to territories and its partners.
Committed to long-term investments, the Photosol teams design each installation to combine performance and sustainability, then manage their operation and maintenance through the expertise and proximity of its subsidiary Photom Service.
Keen to address the challenges of decarbonization and integrating renewable energy into the electrical grid, Photosol is committed to deploying solutions for self-consumption, long-term electricity resale contracts (PPAs), electricity storage, and green hydrogen production.
Since 2022, Photosol has been a subsidiary of the Rubis Group, whose ambition and financial strength contribute to accelerating the development of its activities in France and internationally.