EDF power solutions has announced the commissioning of two photovoltaic plants located on the Concerted Development Zones (Zones d’Aménagement Concerté – ZAC) of Illange-Bertrange and Farébersviller, in the Moselle department. These new infrastructures, with a total capacity of 72 megawatt-peak (MWp), will generate energy production equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of approximately 36,000 people. The Illange-Bertrange facility is now the largest solar power plant operated by EDF power solutions in Moselle, with a capacity of 60 MWp spread over 40 hectares. The Farébersviller solar plant has a capacity of 12 MWp covering 10 hectares.
A project initiated in consultation with local authorities
Both photovoltaic projects, initiated in 2018, resulted from a collaboration between EDF power solutions, the Departmental Council of Moselle (Conseil Départemental de la Moselle), and the municipalities involved. Building permits were filed in 2019 and subsequently obtained in 2021 and 2022. During construction phases, approximately 200 workers were mobilised and local companies were actively involved in the projects. The construction schedule was specifically adapted to avoid ecologically sensitive periods.
Early consideration given to biodiversity
EDF power solutions emphasises that it collaborated closely with independent research consultancies to integrate biodiversity protection into the projects’ initial design. At the Farébersviller plant, a four-hectare area was deliberately preserved to protect three local protected species: the Large Copper butterfly (Cuivré des marais), the Northern Lapwing bird (Vanneau huppé), and the Geometrid moth (Phalène zonée). At Illange-Bertrange, a one-hectare area was excluded from the installation site specifically to support the development of the Large Copper butterfly.
A reinforced presence in the Grand Est region
The Farébersviller and Illange-Bertrange photovoltaic plants began injecting their low-carbon electricity production into the grid at the end of 2024 and beginning of 2025 respectively. EDF power solutions now operates seven solar power plants in the Grand Est region, with a cumulative capacity of approximately 240 MWp. The company also manages 27 terrestrial wind farms with an installed capacity of 453 MW. These installations are managed by four regional centres dedicated to wind and solar maintenance.
Damien Leveque, Director of Operations, Maintenance, and Asset Management at EDF power solutions, said at the announcement: “This is the result of close collaboration between the region and EDF power solutions to develop renewable energy projects that will enable the Grand Est region to become a positive-energy and low-carbon territory by 2050.”
