Voltalia Expands Solar Solutions Tailored for Agriculture Needs
Voltalia, a key player in the renewable energy sector, is making significant strides in supporting farmers with solar energy solutions. The company's subsidiary, Helexia, has recently acquired 28 megawatts of agricultural photovoltaic hangars, further enhancing its commitment to sustainability in agriculture.
The acquisition includes 202 operational solar roofs situated on farm buildings, all benefiting from substantial 20-year electricity sales contracts. This move is part of a broader initiative by Voltalia and its subsidiaries, such as Helexia and Terravene, to offer diverse and reliable energy solutions to farmers.
Innovative Agrivoltaic Solutions for Farmers
One of the standout features of Voltalia's offerings is its focus on agrivoltaics, which merges crop production with solar energy generation. In March 2021, Voltalia kicked off its first agrivoltaic project named Cabanon. This groundbreaking project allows for the simultaneous cultivation of market vegetables while providing electricity generation, all under a system of dynamic shades designed to shield crops from harsh weather conditions.
Supporting Young Farmers
Recognizing the challenges faced by the next generation of farmers, Terravene has developed solutions to support young farmers through land portage offers. This initiative revolves around financing agrivoltaic parks on portions of land, ensuring the sustainability and continuity of local agricultural practices.
Integration of Livestock and Solar Energy
Voltalia has also recognized the potential synergies between solar energy and livestock farming. The company has launched projects that combine solar production with sustainable sheep and cattle grazing. Their latest project, the Poisy demonstrator, intends to analyze how photovoltaic installations impact cattle farming, particularly focusing on animal welfare, behavior, and forage quality.
Solar Roof Solutions for Agricultural Buildings
Since March 2022, Helexia has been providing photovoltaic rooftop solutions specifically designed for agricultural hangars. These facilities serve as shelters for equipment, livestock, and crops while producing clean energy simultaneously. Furthermore, Voltalia is also offering tailored self-consumption solar roofs, appealing to farmers wanting to utilize renewable energy for their homes.
A Collaborative Effort for Sustainable Farming
Voltalia, along with Helexia and Terravene, is launching a joint initiative known as 1,2,3 Soleil. This collaboration merges their expertise to create customized solutions addressing the pressing needs of farmers, including sustainable farming operational methods and generational renewal challenges while producing clean energy.
The photovoltaic projects initiated by Voltalia and Helexia in agricultural sectors, specifically through agrivoltaics and solar-powered hangars, have reached a total capacity of over 190 megawatts. Since the beginning of 2023, this portfolio has grown remarkably, expanding to 250% growth. With ongoing developments, there is potential for scaling to over one gigawatt of capacity.
According to Benjamin Simonis, Chief Executive Officer of Helexia Group, "The acquisition not only reinforces our dedication to aiding the energy transition but also highlights our tailored solutions aimed at farmers alongside our offerings to commercial and industrial sectors." Meanwhile, Sébastien Clerc, Chief Executive Officer of Voltalia, emphasized their commitment to delivering innovative and sustainable energy solutions that synergize with agricultural productivity.
Upcoming Financial Announcement
Looking ahead, Voltalia will release its Q3 2024 turnover on October 23, 2024, after the stock market closes. Investors and stakeholders are eager to see how these new projects will impact their financial performance moving forward.
About Voltalia
Voltalia is a global leader in renewable energy solutions, generating electricity from diverse sources including wind, solar, hydro, and biomass. With a considerable capacity of 3.1 gigawatts in operation and under construction, there are also 17.2 gigawatts of projects in the developmental stage. The firm supports its clients throughout their projects from design to maintenance, thriving as a service provider in the renewable energy sector.
Employing over 2,000 personnel across 20 countries and three continents, Voltalia is strategically positioned to cater to its clients on a global scale. The company is publicly listed on the Euronext Paris market under the code FR0011995588 - VLTSA, and it is part of the Enternext Tech 40 and CAC Mid & Small indices as well as the Gaïa-Index for responsible mid-cap investments.
For more inquiries, you can contact Loan Duong, Directrice Communications & Relations investisseurs at invest@voltalia.com or call +33 (0)1 81 70 37 00.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Voltalia's acquisition of agricultural photovoltaic hangars?
This acquisition expands Voltalia's renewable energy footprint in agriculture, allowing farmers to benefit from both energy production and agricultural activities.
How does agrivoltaics work?
Agrivoltaics provides a dual-use approach where crops are cultivated underneath solar panels, offering shade and reducing weather-related stress while also generating electricity.
Who can benefit from Voltalia's solar roofs?
Farmers looking to reduce energy costs and enhance sustainability on their properties can significantly benefit from Voltalia's innovations in solar roofing solutions.
What is the '1,2,3 Soleil' initiative?
This initiative is a collaborative offering aimed at creating sustainable energy solutions by combining the expertise of Voltalia, Helexia, and Terravene to assist farmers in meeting their energy needs.
What is Voltalia's future growth plan?
Voltalia aims to expand its renewable energy projects further, targeting a portfolio growth towards over one gigawatt and contributing significantly to energy transition efforts.
