Château-Arnoux-Saint-Auban solar power plant – France (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence Region)
Solar energyIn operationMainland France
Developed on a 10-hectare former industrial brownfield site owned by the Arkema platform, the Château-Arnoux–Saint-Auban solar power plant illustrates the successful conversion of an industrial site into a renewable energy production facility.
With an installed capacity of 10 MWp and nearly 22,000 photovoltaic panels, the plant produces around 19 GWh of solar electricity each year.
This output covers the equivalent of the annual electricity consumption of more than 8,000 residents, contributing to the territory’s energy autonomy and to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
A pioneer in industrial self-consumption
Developed in partnership with Arkema, the solar power plant is entirely dedicated to self-consumption: the electricity produced is injected directly into the factory’s internal grid, significantly reducing its reliance on electricity drawn from the national network.
This project is one of the first examples of large-scale industrial self-consumption in France, demonstrating that energy performance, competitiveness and sustainability can be successfully combined within an operating Seveso-classified site.
Innovation and successful integration
Building a solar power plant on a Seveso industrial site required a highly rigorous approach to safety, engineering and regulatory compliance.
Thanks to close cooperation between Corsica Sole, Arkema and local authorities, the project was developed in less than three years, in full compliance with the most stringent standards.
A model for local energy transition
By enhancing land with no redevelopment potential, this project reflects Corsica Sole’s commitment to rehabilitating industrial brownfields and supporting the energy transition of the French industrial sector.
The plant directly contributes to reducing the carbon footprint of the Arkema site while also supporting local employment: site personnel are involved in operation and maintenance, creating a lasting synergy between energy production and industrial expertise.
As our site is an operating classified installation (ICPE), developing the solar project was complex, but Corsica Sole obtained all the required authorisations in less than three years. The electricity produced is reinjected directly into the factory’s network, reducing our energy costs and adding value to our industrial brownfields
Did you know?
The photovoltaic panels used are nearly 95% recyclable.
Glass, aluminium and metals such as silver, silicon and copper are recovered and reused through regulated recycling channels governed by the European WEEE Directive. At end of life, a solar panel is therefore not waste, but a resource that can be reused to manufacture new materials and technologies.
A tangible environmental impact
By producing 19 GWh of renewable electricity per year, the Château-Arnoux–Saint-Auban solar power plant avoids the emission of more than 2,400 tonnes of CO₂ annually.
A major contribution to national decarbonisation objectives and a strong commitment to more sustainable industry.
Un impact environnemental concret
En produisant 19 GWh d’électricité renouvelable par an, la centrale solaire de Château-Arnoux-Saint-Auban permet d’éviter l’émission de plus de 2 400 tonnes de CO₂ chaque année.
Une contribution majeure aux objectifs nationaux de décarbonation et un engagement fort en faveur d’une industrie plus durable.
