Green light for a vast agrivoltaic project in the Landes

Led by a group of 35 farmers and the energy company GLHD, partially owned by EDF Renouvelables, this project is to spread 200 hectares of photovoltaic panels over an area of ​​700 hectares of agricultural crops, for commissioning in 2028.

With a total installed capacity of 450 megawatts-peak, its electricity production capacity would be greater than that of the largest current solar power plants in the country.

The 53 building permits issued were accompanied by "agricultural and environmental requirements", taking into account the "opinions" and "observations" raised during the study phase of the project, specified the Landes prefecture, which says it is "particularly attentive to compliance with real environmental obligations and the status of tenancy".

This project was developed following an environmental alert: the detection of excessive quantities of herbicide residues used for growing corn in a drinking water catchment area.

It plans to pay farmers in the area for 40 years, via solar income, who, in return, have committed to cultivating all of the land without pesticides, by testing new fodder and oilseed crops that are "less profitable" and "use little water".

"This authorization represents the recognition of a future solution combining innovation, sustainability, solidarity, respect for local expectations and a move to a +zero phyto+ or organic production method," said Jean-Michel Lamothe, farmer and president of the project leaders.

Terr'arbouts is supported by the chamber of agriculture and local authorities on the condition that "agricultural activity is maintained", but the project is strongly criticized by the local branch of the agricultural union Modef, the main opponent.

The public inquiry commission issued an unfavourable opinion in the spring, pointing out in particular the "insufficiency" of environmental impact studies and the "absence of feedback" on similar projects.

A first decree to regulate the development of agrivoltaics in France was published in April, without, at this stage, resolving all the issues of this emerging sector.