Renewable energy producer Neoen announced that it has won 180 MW in the technology-neutral call for tenders under PPE2, held by the French government and supervised by the energy regulation commission. Neon won the highest allocation in both solar and wind categories. The 180 MW is split among 11 projects ranging from 12 to 22.8 MW.
This award further reinstates Neoen's ability to develop projects in coordination with local and national officials, landowners, farmers, and other stakeholders across various regions of France, the company added.
Out of the 180 MW, two are solar projects totalling to 42.1 MWp. Located in the Grand Est region, the Isle-surMarne (19.3 MWp in Marne) and Morhange 2 (22.8 MWp in Moselle) plants rehabilitate a former quarry and disused military land respectively. The construction will begin in 2023. Morhange 2 is an extension of Neoen's photovoltaic farm located in the same municipality.
French Development Director Guillaume Decaen said, "I would like to congratulate our French teams for the quality of the projects presented. At Neoen, we are proud to be once again the main winner in a government tender and to demonstrate our ability to continue accelerating the development of solar and wind power in France. Construction will begin on three of these projects next year, ready to provide our country with more green, local, competitive energy."
Reacting to this, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Neoen Xavier Barbaro said, "This new win shows Neoen's dynamism in the French market. It is a reward for having worked closely and relentlessly with local stakeholders since 2008. More than ever, Neoen is in a position to boost the share of renewables in France's energy mix. Solar and wind power are the best vectors of the energy transition, both in our domestic market and around the world."
Last year, Neoen had said it will be targeting a total renewable energy portfolio of over 10 GW by 2025 under its strategic road map (see Neoen Aims For 10 GW Global Portfolio By 2025)