The Aeroparc photovoltaic project was created by EDF Power Solutions in the Territoire de Belfort communes of Reppe and Fontaine. It can produce 42.2 MWp of power. This project contains more than 73,000 solar power panels and will be able to provide 40% of the Grand Belfort agglomeration community’s energy demands per year. The building was put up on a historic site, a former NATO base, which helped the area move to cleaner energy and made the property worth more.
Work began in February 2023, following the granting of the building permit in December 2021, and was completed in October 2024. From the beginning, EDF power solutions cared about the environment by performing study on biodiversity on the site. During construction, special signs were put up to warn visitors away from sensitive areas like ponds and woodlands that are excellent for local wildlife. Six hectares of the 33-hectare site were maintained to protect these habitats.
Adding sheep farming to the site may help keep plants healthy without using pesticides, which helps conserve biodiversity. This kind of grazing is also good for the environment in the region.
This solar power plant is estimated to bring approximately 260,000 euros a year in economic benefits for the neighbourhood over the course of its 30-year existence. EDF Power Solutions operates 18 solar power plants with a total capacity of 243 MWp and three wind farms with a total capacity of 57 MW in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region.
Effects on the economy and the environment in the region
The Aeroparc photovoltaic project installation is part of the region’s plan to meet its energy transition goals. It can create clean energy and is part of a proposal to utilise outdated factories to make energy with less emissions. By 2050, this initiative will enable the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region accomplish its aim of being a positive energy area.
Alexandre Margain, who is in charge of regional development for EDF power solutions in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, stated that the project’s success depends on working with local politicians and SODEB (Société de Développement du Grand Belfort), the firm in charge of developing the area. This alliance has converted a historic site into a clean, long-lasting energy hub for the neighbourhood.