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Engie, a French utility company, and developer Neoen have announced intentions to invest approximately €1 billion ($1.2 billion) in constructing a 1-gigawatt solar module powered, low-carbon energy park in France. This project is set to become Europe’s largest solar initiative, surpassing previous records, and will include green hydrogen production to cater to transportation and energy requirements.

In the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of western France, the Horizeo project will feature the establishment of a data center that will be powered by the project itself. Engie stated that any excess power not utilized by the green hydrogen electrolyzer or the data center would be sold through power-purchase agreements, with no intention to participate in France’s renewable tendering programs.

“This marks a significant departure from the existing economic framework of renewable energies in France,” expressed Gwenaëlle Avice-Huet, Engie’s Deputy CEO overseeing renewables, in a statement. “We are dedicated to executing a project that sets a high standard in terms of environmental and societal considerations. The forthcoming public discussion will provide us with the opportunity to enhance and incorporate all aspects of the project.”

A portion of the solar array will serve dual purposes by supporting agricultural activities. Given the region’s dense forest cover, any land cleared for the 1,000-hectare project will be compensated for through tree-planting initiatives in other locations, with added emphasis on reforestation efforts.

Discussions regarding the plans will be held with the Saucats local community. The municipality, along with RTE, France’s transmission system operator, is identified as a key project partner.