Urbasolar signs France's first government PPA with Ministry of Armed Forces for 42 MW solar project

Urbasolar, a subsidiary of Swiss energy group Axpo, signed France's first direct long-term electricity purchase agreement (PPA) with the French Ministry of Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs for a 42 MW solar project. The agreement covers the development, construction, and 30-year operation of a photovoltaic plant on a former military site in Salbris (Loir-et-Cher), with the ministry purchasing all electricity produced at a fixed price starting in 2030. The 110-hectare former munitions depot will host 30 hectares of solar panels, while preserving surrounding forest ecosystems, with annual production estimated at 50,182 MWh—covering approximately 3.7% of the ministry's annual electricity needs. Construction is scheduled to begin before the end of 2028, with commercial operation expected by 2030, offering the ministry a budgetary shield against volatile energy prices that surged from €65/MWh in 2021 to €580/MWh in 2022. The deal aligns with France's 2025-2030 energy transition strategy and the 2023 APER law, with the ministry planning to replicate the model across additional military sites starting in spring 2026.

Counterparts (3)

Developer

Urbasolar

company · 1 deals

French renewable energy developer specializing in large-scale solar photovoltaic projects, with 750 solar plants and operations across France and international markets.

parent_company

Axpo

company · 5 deals

Axpo is Switzerland's largest power producer and an international leader in energy trading and the marketing of wind and solar power. They offer energy supply and risk management solutions to consumers, producers, and retailers of electricity and natural gas, with a focus on enabling a sustainable future through innovative energy solutions.

Offtaker

M

Ministère des Armées et des Anciens combattants

company · 1 deals