Market update · Europe
Engie Commences Construction of First Co-Located Solar and Battery Project in France
Engie has started building its inaugural co-located solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) project in Saint-Jean-Froidmentel, France. The Parc du Buisson project combines a 29.8 MW solar plant with a 20 MWh battery system to enhance grid flexibility by shifting electricity delivery to periods of higher demand. Construction began in September 2026, with operations expected to start by December 2027.
SolTraCo market update · · 3 min readProject Overview and Location
Engie is constructing its first co-located solar and battery project in France, named Parc du Buisson, located in Saint-Jean-Froidmentel within the Centre-Val de Loire region. The solar plant will have a capacity of 29.8 MW and will be paired with a 20 MWh battery energy storage system.
The facility is being developed on a 23-hectare former quarry site and will include nearly 46,000 solar panels.
Battery System and Grid Integration
The battery system will have a power output of 8.8 MW, enabling it to discharge at full power for over two hours. It will store excess solar electricity generated during periods of high production and release it when grid demand increases, thereby improving the timing and flexibility of electricity delivery.
Both the solar plant and battery system will share the same site and connect to the grid via an approximately 11 km connection to a substation. This co-location reduces grid connection requests and associated costs, enhancing the economic viability of the installations.
Construction Timeline and Local Impact
Construction commenced in September 2026 with earthworks and access road development. Subsequent phases include foundation work, installation of mounting structures and solar modules, and deployment of battery containers and electrical equipment. Grid connection is planned for summer 2027, with full operation expected by December 2027.
The project is anticipated to generate €122,000 in annual tax revenue for local authorities, with the municipality receiving an additional nearly €90,000 through Engie’s “Bon Énergie” scheme.
Sources
This update is an original SolTraCo synthesis of the linked industry sources. Reported facts and commercial interpretation are kept separate. It does not contain confidential deal information and is not investment, legal or technical advice.