Ground-mounted solar park in southwest France BayWa r.e.
BayWa r.e. developed a solar project of 41.2 MW in the southwest France with the objective of minimising ecological effects and offsetting any residual impacts through restoration and management strategies, aimed at achieving a global net gain for biodiversity. The solar project prioritised biodiversity-sensitive areas throughout the site selection, design, and development stages, actively preventing or reducing impacts on these areas whenever possible. The mitigation measures implemented during construction and operation were in line with the mitigation hierarchy. Offsetting measures encompassed 173 hectares beyond the project site. These measures were discussed with the local authorities during the permit instruction phase and implemented in collaboration with a local environmental organisation. The project has been in operation since 2017. The project incorporates comprehensive conservation and restoration strategies aimed at enhancing local biodiversity and protecting sensitive ecosystems. A primary component is the conservation of over 50% of wetlands in the project area, which includes preserving old trees known for their rich biodiversity and maintaining nearby small ponds. Additionally, specific measures are taken to protect vulnerable species of birds, reptiles, and amphibians by planning heavy construction activities to avoid overlapping with their nesting periods. The preservation of ecological corridors is also crucial, with the installation of fences specifically designed to facilitate safe wildlife movement. To manage vegetation effectively, rotational sheep grazing is employed as an ecological practice, particularly aimed at protecting the butterfly species False Ringlet (Coenonympha oedippus). Furthermore, the project includes the restoration of 173 hectares of degraded wetlands beyond the site, encompassing wet meadows, forests, and moors, in collaboration with a local environmental organisation that has been implementing ecological management techniques, such as late mowing and sheep grazing, since 2018.
