Lhoist and Total Quadran to co-develop solar power plants

Lhoist, one of the world's leading producers of lime, dolime and other minerals, and Total Quadran have signed an exclusive partnership agreement for the co-development of photovoltaic power plants at several sites of Lhoist in France.

This partnership will allow to develop more than 83 MW spread over 11 French sites of the Lhoist Group representing a total surface area of approximately 111 hectares. Four of these plants will allow Lhoist to self-consume the energy directly produced on site.

These power plants will represent overall more than 194,000 photovoltaic panels and will be built and operated by Total Quadran.

The electricity produced by these photovoltaic power plants will correspond to the equivalent of the average consumption of 70,000 inhabitants or about 70 per cent of the electricity consumption of Lhoist in France.

Total Quadran and Lhoist are both committed to the transition to carbon neutrality. As part of this co-development partnership, Lhoist will be able, thanks to the support of Total, to reduce the carbon intensity of its products and participate in improving the energy balance of its commercial partners.

Before construction, these photovoltaic power plant projects will be presented at the next Calls for Offers from the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) to obtain a feed-in tariff, and will be commissioned by 2023, the studies being already underway.

 “These multi-site projects in partnership with a major industrial player will contribute to the achievement of the Group's objectives of 35 GW of production capacity from renewable sources by 2025. The development of these solar power plants will make it possible to pool the expertise of the two groups in order to promote their rapid commissioning. Total Quadran and Lhoist do not refrain from opening this partnership to other sites in France and other geographical areas at global level” said Thierry Muller, Managing Director of Total Quadran.

“The long-term vision of its activities is at the heart of the concerns of a family group such as the Lhoist Group. Over the years, our commitment to sustainable development has become a key part of our strategy. This ambitious green energy project in France is in perfect alignment with our efforts to contribute to the transition to carbon neutrality. It is also part of a partnership approach with the players close to our plants, people, local communities, environmental associations, as well as with our customers which will be able to value it in their own carbon footprint,” added Jacques Chanteclair, Vice President and General Manager of Lhoist Southern Europe.