A former military base transformed into a solar power plant in Prunay-Belleville!


The 4 MWp solar park was inaugurated today by renewable energy producer Urbasolar and representatives of the commune of Prunay-Belleville. An emblematic project, it testifies to the commitment of local players to the energy transition.

The Prunay-Belleville solar power plant was inaugurated today in the presence of Denis Pinto, Mayor of Prunay-Belleville, as well as numerous elected officials and members of Urbasolar.

A strong commitment to renewable energies.

Located on the grounds of a former military base that has been abandoned since the 2000s, the 4 MWp photovoltaic power plant will bring this disused site back to life.

After acquiring the land in 2015, the commune of Prunay-Belleville decided in 2020 to give the site a new vocation, this time focused on renewable energies. An expert in photovoltaics and a committed partner to local stakeholders, the Urbasolar group was chosen by the commune to develop, build and operate the photovoltaic power plant, which has just been completed.

In all, more than 7,300 solar panels spread over 5 hectares will produce over 4,700 MWh of green electricity annually, equivalent to the annual consumption of 2,220 people (10 times the population of Prunay-Belleville!).

Developments to promote biodiversity

In addition to rehabilitating the site as a source of green energy production, particular attention was paid to preserving the surrounding natural environment so as not to impact local flora and fauna.
A number of measures have been implemented by Urbasolar to maintain and promote biodiversity on the site of the solar power plant, both during the construction phase and throughout its operation.
The construction schedule has been adapted to avoid any impact on the species identified on the site during ecological surveys, and certain areas have been bypassed to protect flora and fauna. For example, the habitats of a protected butterfly species, the Azuré dur Serpolet, were avoided, enabling the species to be maintained and developed on the site.

This solar park, which is exemplary in many respects, bears witness to the strong commitment of the commune of Prunay-Belleville to the energy transition, and to the Urbasolar group’s desire to support local authorities in this process.

Photo credit: Urbasolar