The La Gineste solar park, located in La Tourette-Cabardès in the Aude department, was inaugurated in May by Q ENERGY and Velto Renewables. This photovoltaic power plant, with an installed capacity of 9 megawatts-peak (MWc), comprises more than 15,200 panels and supplies the equivalent of the annual electricity consumption of 5,500 people. The project represents a new step in the collaboration between the two companies in the renewable electricity production sector.
A joint venture structured around a strategic asset
Velto Renewables acquired 50% of the asset in March, integrating La Gineste into a French portfolio comprising five renewable projects, three of which are located in the Occitanie region. This acquisition aligns with a long-term business partnership development strategy, according to statements made by Lionel Daras, Portfolio Manager France at Velto Renewables, during the inauguration. No financial figures were disclosed for this operation.
The partnership established with Q ENERGY allows Velto Renewables to access an already developed and locally operated portfolio, while strengthening its presence in a regional market identified as a priority.
A project stemming from planning initiated in 2011
The La Gineste plant was developed starting in 2011 by Q ENERGY in collaboration with local authorities and the landowner. The land, previously unused for over six decades and deemed of low agronomic value by an independent study firm, was reassigned to a dual function of electricity generation and sheep grazing. This approach enables a mixed land use without significant alteration to the existing environment.
The implementation of a supervised grazing system helps reduce technical maintenance operations while complying with territorial integration regulations.
Regulatory compliance and landscape integration
The facility follows the regulatory sequence “avoid, reduce, compensate,” notably by avoiding wooded or heath areas. Local hedges were planted around the perimeter, and wildlife crossings were integrated into the fencing to maintain biological exchanges. No public funding was mentioned by the developers or by regional and municipal representatives present at the inauguration.
The project also includes educational panels along the hiking trails bordering the park, with no reported impact on the use of neighbouring natural areas. Both partners confirmed that the facility will continue to be managed locally in the coming decades.
