The Crédit Industriel et Commercial is providing long-term financing for the developer UNITe to build six photovoltaic power plants in the form of aviaries installed on farms, primarily pheasant farms. The sites are located in Loiret, Loir-et-Cher, Vienne, and Allier. With very different sizes, the installations represent a total capacity of 79.1 abbr>MWc for a total investment of approximately €80 million. Construction of the power plants has already begun for the most advanced projects, with the first electrons expected to be injected by autumn 2025. The last plant will be completed during Q3 2026. Each power plant has been selected in a CRE Tender and will sell its electricity under the CfD scheme.
All the installations share the characteristic of being implemented on already existing farms and will not only produce electricity but also modernize farming infrastructure. The new structures (made up of metal-framed canopy shades and nets) are more robust and durable than those currently in place and will benefit poultry farming activities. Beyond modernization, the newly built installations will improve animal welfare, notably by creating shaded areas.
The project has benefited from a preferential rate thanks to the intervention of the European Investment Bank (EIB), through which CIC will be able to refinance part of the loans granted.