Energy transition and sobriety are at the heart of the world’s concerns and challenges. Floating photovoltaics (FPV) therefore have a key role to play in each country’s energy mix strategy. If we take the case of France, the country has a geographical potential that is favourable to the development of renewable energy solutions, as well as a relatively well-developed electricity infrastructure network throughout its territory. This makes France a very promising market, particularly for the development of floating solar power plants.
This article explores trends in the French FPV market, France’s exceptional potential, and highlights key applications, including quarry lakes, with examples of emblematic projects such as Ilôts Blandin .
The exceptional potential of the French market
France has considerable potential for the development of floating photovoltaics
According to the Global floating PV status and potential study published by the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS), by adopting a conservative approach to the evolution of FPV potential, i.e. considering floating solar power plants covering only 10% of the surface area of eligible lakes, the potential of the floating solar market in France approaches 22 GWp.
Artificial lakes and former quarries, which are particularly common in France, are ideal opportunities for floating solar power plants.
Moreover, France benefits from a fairly well-developed national electricity grid, which, even if it can be improved, offers and facilitates the integration of FPV projects into the grid, including in areas that are sometimes isolated. This geographical and infrastructural potential positions France as a major player in the expansion of this innovative technology.
Floating photovoltaics in France: an increasing number of floating solar projects and their installed capacity.
After 2020, the French floating solar market began to see more projects of greater size. Since then, the market has grown significantly, with cumulative capacity reaching around 210 MWp by the end of 2024. This growth was particularly marked by a very good year in 2023, with over 40 MWp installed, i.e. double the capacity installed in 2022 (around 19 MWp).
The year 2025 is already looking very promising, and should well exceed previous records, with at least 92 MWp connected by the end in the first semester, and around 40 MWp of FPV projects signed, some already under construction.
This is a clear sign of the sustained momentum and commitment of players in the sector to speeding up the country’s energy transition.
- Strong geographical potential, with an abundance of artificial and natural water bodies.
- A robust electricity infrastructure, making it easier to integrate projects into the grid.
- Institutional support, in particular the CRE auctions, with prices that are currently attractive, making it possible to achieve economic profitability.
Quarry lakes: a strategic application for FPV
In France, quarry lakes represent one of the main applications for floating photovoltaics, whether they are currently being exploited or are coming to the end of their operating life. Co-operation between quarry extraction and the production of floating photovoltaic energy is entirely feasible, and can be incorporated into the plant design phase.
For example, at Ciel & Terre, we have built 100MWp of FPV projects in France by 2024, and all on quarry lakes:
- Saint-Savin (11 MWp) connected in 2024
- Leutenheim (20 MWp) connected in 2025
- Ilôts Blandin (72 MWp) in the process of being connected by 2025.
Some of these projects involve quarries that are still in operation, and we have adapted not only our designs but also our construction and logistics methods to suit the project environment.
Thanks to our expertise, we can optimise the use of these sites while guaranteeing a low environmental impact, thus offering a sustainable and innovative solution for solar energy.
Vincent Grumetz, Ciel & Terre EMEA Director.
Ciel & Terre’s business in France
The beginnings of Ciel & Terre: pioneering FPV technology validated in France
Ciel & Terre, founded in France in 2006, laid the foundations for floating photovoltaics in 2011 with a 15 kWp pilot project in Piolenc. This project enabled us to experiment with our Hydrelio® technology, designed to meet the specific needs of floating solar installations.
Initially, we focused on the Japanese market, which at the time was more open to the development of renewable energy solutions and offered particularly good conditions for the development of FPV. We then pursued our international expansion by opening our network of subsidiaries around the world: in the United States, India and Taiwan.
A turnkey solution for the French and European markets
At Ciel & Terre EMEA, we offer a turnkey floating solar solution, supporting our customers at every stage of their project, from engineering to maintenance of the FPV plant.
This comprehensive offering includes:
- Engineering & Design: We design the floating structure and its anchoring, while taking into account the optimisation of the basic electrical design.
- Production & Logistics: We manage the production and delivery of our floating solar solutions to the construction site.
- Construction: Our construction team is present throughout the construction of the floating platform, and assembly is carried out by our dedicated teams trained to ensure efficient implementation of the FPV power plant.
- Maintenance: Our experience enables us to provide comprehensive engineering services guaranteeing the performance, safety and longevity of floating photovoltaic power plants for over 30 years. We have also developed a floating solar maintenance offer specifically for the needs of this type of infrastructure.
This turnkey approach enables us to simplify and optimise project management, offering our customers a single point of contact for their floating solar power plants.
The Ilôts Blandin project: a European leader
Scheduled to be operational in 2025, the 74.3 MWp Ilôts Blandin project is the largest floating solar project in the EMEA zone (Europe, Middle East, Africa). Located in a 127-hectare former gravel pit, it will supply 37,000 homes and avoid the emission of 18,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year.
This project illustrates a particular focus on preserving the environment and optimising the design of floating power plants. By working closely with our partners, we have been able to combine technical performance with respect for ecosystems to make this project a reference in floating solar power.
A promising future for FPV
With ambitious projects like Ilôts Blandin, France is well positioned to play a key role in floating solar energy development in Europe. The year 2025 already promises a new record for FPV capacity of at least 92MWp, to which should be added around 40MWp of projects signed and under construction for Ciel & Terre in France. This momentum confirms the country’s commitment to the challenges of energy transition, while encouraging an innovative industry.
By Chloé, marketing
