The German group wpd, a specialist in the development and operation of renewable energies, has completed the acquisition of a significant share of Calycé’s wind activity, a regional player based in Champagne-Ardenne. The transaction, facilitated by the consulting firm Envinergy, involves the integration of Calycé’s wind teams as well as the takeover of a portfolio of 17 projects under development.
A strengthened portfolio in the Grand Est
Founded in 2002 by stakeholders from the agricultural sector, Calycé has been built around a local development strategy, favouring consultation with rural territorial stakeholders. Its headquarters and main activities remain in Champagne-Ardenne, the region where it launched its first parks. The acquisition mainly concerns ongoing projects in the Grand Est, a historical deployment area for wpd since the installation of its first two parks in France in 2007.
wpd has developed five wind farms in this region, with two more in the authorisation or construction preparation phase. The company thus holds a regional portfolio exceeding 100 megawatts (MW) of installed capacity. This operation comes after the recent opening of two offices in Reims and Troyes, which add to the one in Nancy, further strengthening the group’s territorial network.
Focus on renewables leadership
The integration of Calycé’s teams allows wpd to increase its workforce dedicated to wind and solar, now exceeding 200 employees in France. The group had already announced the commissioning of its six-hundredth MW in France as well as the construction of its forty-second wind farm in 2024.
According to Eric Boban, President of Calycé, this merger is part of the desire to maintain development consistent with local expectations in a context of rapid growth. “Our agricultural roots enable us to understand the realities on the ground and local expectations,” he said. The transfer to wpd fits into a logic of continuity with Calycé’s values, while bringing new solidity to the group’s wind activity.
Consolidation of activities and international outlook
The acquisition of Calycé by wpd takes place in a context of increasing concentration in the renewable energy sector in France, marked by the arrival of international groups with broad ambitions. wpd, which employs more than 1,300 people in 33 countries, now operates 6,970 MW of installed capacity worldwide, with a global portfolio of nearly 39 gigawatts (GW) in wind and solar projects.
Grégoire Simon, President of wpd France, stated that this operation demonstrates the group’s confidence in the potential of onshore wind power in France and its willingness to pursue development based on a solid local presence. According to him, the group’s growth is accompanied by a commitment to remain an independent player in renewable energies in France.
