Schneider Electric accelerates solarization of its industrial sites
in France with GreenYellow
- As part of its Net-Zero commitment, Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, aims to reduce emissions from its value chain by 25% by 2030 and be aligned with the “net-zero ready” objective in its operations. To achieve this, Schneider Electric is rolling out an ambitious solar self-consumption program on its industrial and tertiary sites.
- This structuring program, carried out in partnership with GreenYellow – a major international player in the decentralized energy transition – will eventually concern 24 sites in France, representing a total installed capacity of 16.9 MWp and avoiding 750 tons of CO2 each year. GreenYellow covers the entire value chain of photovoltaic installations: design, development, financing, construction and operation.
- In addition, several French sites also integrate charging infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVCI), totalling more than 120 charging points, thus strengthening the synergy between renewable energy production and carbon-free mobility.
A LARGE-SCALE INDUSTRIAL PROGRAM
To date, 18 Schneider Electric industrial sites are already in service or in the process of being deployed throughout France with an installed capacity of 13.2 MWp. The installations are mainly deployed in the form of solar carport, which offer a double benefit:
- Local generation of green electricity, allowing partial energy autonomy and a significant reduction in carbon emissions.
- Enhanced comfort for users, thanks to protection from weather conditions (rain, snow, hail) and reduced heat in vehicles during summer, thereby improving the daily experience of employees, visitors, and clients.
In addition, 6 sites are currently in the study phase, bringing the programme to 24 sites in total, for an installed or planned capacity of nearly 16.9 MWp. In-situ solar installations cover between 5% and 30% of the annual energy needs of the sites concerned, with a direct impact on reducing their carbon footprint. The expected overall annual production is estimated at 19.2 GWh, the equivalent of the consumption of nearly 3,200 French households. This program is expected to avoid 750 tons of CO₂ each year, thus making a significant contribution to Schneider Electric’s climate commitments.
The program is based on a third-party investment model, in which GreenYellow finances 100% of the facilities, allowing Schneider Electric to retain its capital for other strategic investments, while achieving its decarbonization goals.
At the same time, several sites are integrating charging infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVCI), strengthening the synergy between local energy production and low-carbon mobility. This is the case in Électropole (37 charging points), Espagnac (36 charging points), Alès (30 charging points), and Aubenas (18 charging points).
Gilles Simon, Head of the European Photovoltaic Deployment Program at Schneider Electric, said: “This program illustrates our desire to anchor the energy transition in the daily life of our industrial operations. It is based on a strong partnership with GreenYellow and a virtuous model that allows us to make rapid progress towards our Net-Zero goals.“
Mathieu Cambet, Deputy Director of GreenYellow France, adds: “Schneider Electric is an exemplary partner, fully committed to solarizing its industrial sites. Our ability to quickly deploy reliable technical solutions across active, multi-regional sites has been a key driver of the program’s success. This is a concrete illustration of what a long-term partnership built on trust and performance can deliver.”
