Akuo, ECT kick off construction on 17-MWp solar park in France

French renewable power producer Akuo Energy has started building a 17-MWp solar park in the country’s northern region Ile-de-France region in partnership with compatriot ECT.

The Les Gabots photovoltaic (PV) plant will be located in the Annet-sur-Marne commune, east of Paris, and will be one of the region’s largest facilities of its kind, Akuo said last week. Around 44,000 PV modules will be powering the installation, which is expected to generate enough electricity for about 3,700 homes per year. Their output will help offset 847 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions annually, the developers estimate.

Akuo and ECT, which is involved in the resue of inert materials from construction and civil engineering activities, are implementing the project through a joint venture called ACT-E. The partners have plans to build similar PV parks in other regions across Ile-de-France and thus create a portfolio of 100 MWp.

The Les Gabots project is being financed with EUR 8.5 million (USD 9.4m) in debt, accounting for 75% of the total investment cost, by cooperative bank Credit Cooperatif. Additional financing and equity were provided by regional funds and communities.

(EUR 1.0 = USD 1.107)

Choose your newsletter by Renewables Now. Join for free!