Energias de Portugal (EDP), via EDP Renewables, inaugurates in Menestreau its first photovoltaic park in France operated in co-activity with sheep farming. Sited on a former brownfield agricultural plot, the facility has a capacity close to 16 megawatt-peak (MWc). The site comprises 29,630 solar panels, sized for connection to the public grid. Expected annual output is around 19 gigawatt-hours (GWh).
Calendar and grid connection
Construction began in August 2024 and was completed in spring 2025. The inauguration is scheduled on 30 September, from 14:00 to 16:00, on the Menestreau site. Stakeholders in the project are invited, with confirmation of attendance requested in reply. The plant is sized to inject its output into the public grid according to the planned capacities.
The sheep-farming co-activity aims to maintain an agricultural use of the plot while ensuring the energy operation of the site. The arrangement relies on using the inter-row spacing and controlled movement of flocks near the structures. Location on brownfield farmland limits land take on productive plots. The project formalises an organisation of uses between the farmer and the plant operator.
EDP positioning and global footprint
EDP operates on four platforms — Renewable Generation, Networks, Client Solutions and Energy Management — and employs more than 13,000 people. The global portfolio totals 19.3 gigawatts installed, spanning solar, onshore and offshore wind, and hydropower. The group is present in Europe, North America, South America and Asia-Pacific. French activities include the development and operation of ground-mounted solar assets.
The announced investment plan stands at €17bn ($18.3bn) through 2026. It focuses on increasing renewable capacities, strengthening networks and deploying client solutions. Dedicated teams will be present at the inauguration to answer questions about the site and its operation. The plant totals 29,630 modules for an expected annual output of about 19GWh.
