Engie and Neoen unveil a large solar project in Gironde

The project, called Horizeo, is to be established in the town of Saucats. It provides "a photovoltaic park with a power of one gigawatt, for an electricity production equivalent to the annual consumption of more than 600.000 people", detail the two companies in the energy sector in a joint statement.

Electricity storage batteries, a green hydrogen production unit, a data center and an area combining agriculture and solar electricity production are also planned around the park.

The project covers a wooded area of ​​approximately 1.000 hectares and will therefore require a "clearing authorization". The companies however undertake to "compensate afforestation greater than the area concerned".

The National Commission for Public Debate (CNDP) has decided to organize a public debate on Horizeo.

Besides its size, the project is also distinguished by its economic model. Electricity of solar origin would in fact be sold under over-the-counter contracts and not through public tenders, with the attached subsidies.

"Horizeo is a large-scale project which intends to demonstrate that it is possible to accelerate the energy transition in France by directly offering companies a competitive renewable energy", underlined Paul-François Croisille, deputy general manager of Neoen, cited in the press release.