Overview
Rion-des-Landes is a 31.7 MW solar PV facility in France, operational and contributing to the country's renewable energy targets under the EU Renewable Energy Directive III.
Rion-des-Landes is a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant located in the Landes department of southwestern France. With a capacity of 31.74 MW, it is a medium-scale solar installation that supports France's transition to renewable energy. The facility is operational and feeds clean electricity into the national grid. France's solar PV sector operates under the EU Renewable Energy Directive III, which sets a 42.5% renewable energy target by 2030. The country also implements national feed-in tariffs and grid connection policies to support solar deployment. Rion-des-Landes benefits from these frameworks, contributing to France's growing solar capacity, which exceeded 15 GW in 2023. Environmentally, solar PV plants like Rion-des-Landes have a low operational carbon footprint and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The facility occupies land that could otherwise be used for agriculture or natural habitats, but its design minimizes visual and land-use impacts. It plays a role in diversifying France's energy mix and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Environmental context
The Landes region in southwestern France is characterized by pine forests and sandy soils, with a temperate climate that offers moderate solar irradiance. Solar PV installations here require land clearing, which can affect local ecosystems. However, the facility's design includes measures to minimize soil erosion and preserve biodiversity. The plant contributes to France's goal of carbon neutrality by 2050, offsetting thousands of tonnes of CO2 annually.
Frequently asked questions
The Rion-des-Landes solar PV plant is located in the Landes department of southwestern France, near the town of Rion-des-Landes.
The Rion-des-Landes solar plant has a capacity of 31.74 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale solar photovoltaic facility.
Yes, the Rion-des-Landes solar plant is operational and currently generating electricity for the French national grid.
Solar PV in France is supported by the EU Renewable Energy Directive III, which mandates a 42.5% renewable energy share by 2030, along with national feed-in tariffs and grid connection policies.
The plant generates clean electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. It contributes to France's carbon neutrality goals and supports local renewable energy targets.