• Iberdrola has been awarded a 25-MW floating photovoltaic plant in a tender launched by the municipality of Kurtzenhouse in Alsace
• The project will be developed on the Bischwiller gravel pit, whose land is partially owned by the municipality
• Estimated annual production of 27 GWh will supply green electricity to nearly 10,000 Alsatian households by the end of 2026

Iberdrola, the world's largest producer of renewable energy, announced today that it has been awarded its first floating solar power plant in France, with a total capacity of 25 megawatts peak (MWp), in response to a call for tenders issued in June 2022 by the municipality of Kurtzenhouse in Alsace.

Iberdrola is now specialising in the development of floating solar projects on active industrial sites as part of its commitment to establishing a long-term presence in France.

"We are very proud to contribute to the development of green energy production solutions alongside the municipality of Kurtzenhouse. This project strengthens Iberdrola France's position in the Grand Est region where the company is already developing a solar photovoltaic (PV) plant for Solvay to supply its Tavaux plant (Jura) with green electricity. In parallel, Iberdrola is working on a 3 MW agrivoltaic solution in a Moselle farm to optimise milk production" said Thierry Vergnaud, Iberdrola France Director of the onshore division (onshore wind and photovoltaic).

"The implementation of this floating solar PV plant represents a real opportunity for our region. This green energy project contributes to the region’s energy self-sufficiency while fighting against global warming in a context marked by soaring electricity prices", emphasised Marc Moser, Mayor of Kurtzenhouse.

A FLOATING SOLAR POWER PLANT ON AN ACTIVE GRAVEL PIT

The floating solar power plant will be developed, built and operated by Iberdrola on the basin of the Bischwiller gravel pit, part of which is owned by the municipality of Kurtzenhouse.

This gravel pit is currently operated by the company Eqiom Granulats, which extracts and markets sand and gravel of alluvial origin. During the construction and operation phase of the plant, Iberdrola will consider the presence of these activities and ensure their continued operation.

The floating solar power plant will occupy an area of approximately 13.5 hectares of the 28 hectares available on the site.

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