BayWa to build photovoltaic plant for hydrogen production in France

The Community of Communes of Haute-Saintonge, a positive energy district dedicated to the development of renewable energy, has picked BayWa r.e. to conduct an ambitious energy transition project in the department of Charente-Maritime in the South West of France.

This flagship project will combine the production of solar energy with a battery storage system and community involvement. If local uptake and use potential are established, green hydrogen production will also be included. Thus, the project will apply a comprehensive strategy to the local energy transition and promote the region’s low-carbon transition.

BayWa r.e. has been selected, along with Lhyfe, a pioneer and major player in renewable green hydrogen, to assist the Community of Communes in developing a photovoltaic (PV) park, following a call for expressions of interest procedure.

BayWa r.e. will lead the development of a 52 GWh per year, 40 MWp PV park, as well as the installation of a battery storage system. Lhyfe will be responsible for the construction of a solar-powered green hydrogen manufacturing facility. Within 100 to 150 kilometers, the renewable hydrogen might be marketed to industrial players, local governments, associations, schools, and urban transit. This possibility will be confirmed by a one-year study of local application.

The photovoltaic power plant will have an energy storage system. By capturing extra solar production and making efficient use of the electrical infrastructure, the plant will be able to be optimally connected into the grid. Additionally, it will contribute to the security of the electrical supply, especially during the peak winter months.

“BayWa r.e. wants this project to be a showcase of innovation in France that highlights the benefits of combining flexibility tools with renewable energy production. We are committed to demonstrate the technical feasibility of the project, but also its economic relevance with regard to all the services provided,” explained Mathieu Bordeleau, Director of Innovation at BayWa r.e. France.

BayWa real estate has proposed that the local government invest in the project during the development phase and become the project’s main shareholder throughout the construction and operating phases. The financial benefits of this investment would be added to the economic and fiscal benefits deriving from the solar park’s development.

“BayWa r.e. is very proud to have been selected by the Community of Communes of Haute Saintonge to carry out, together with Lhyfe, a resolutely innovative territorial project combining solar energy, hydrogen and storage at the same site. This project will be a blueprint for regions that want to actively take part in the energy transition, especially as an investment opportunity for local authorities”, commented Céline Tran, Managing Director of BayWa r.e. France.

Innovative projects, such as Haute-Saintonge, which incorporate storage technologies and hydrogen into renewable energy generation, will play a crucial role in advancing the energy transition. BayWa r.e. is currently investigating more development potential in this industry throughout Europe and beyond.