What if cattle farming and renewable energy could share the same land? In the Creuse department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France, we are developing an agrivoltaic project (Agri-PV) that aims to do exactly that.
Combining argiculture and renewable energy on the same land
Cattle will continue to graze on the land, while raised solar panels generate renewable energy above them. The Le Bost project is expected to have a capacity of 15 MWp, with approximately 20,566 solar panels. The project is designed around the agricultural activity that is already there. For the farmer, that means continuing to use his land for cattle farming while creating an additional, stable source of income.
The project is also an important milestone for Novar in France. It is our first greenfield project to move into the study phase, which takes about a year in France, as the site is studied throughout all four seasons. It is the first concrete step in building our own portfolio of renewable energy projects in France.
Agriculture remains at the heart of the project
Agri-PV combines agricultural activity and renewable energy production on the same land. We need both for the future. The challenge is to bring them together in a way that strengthens, rather than replaces, the agricultural activity that is already there.
At Le Bost, cattle farming remains central to how the land is used. The lowest point of the solar panels will be approximately two metres above the ground, giving the cattle enough space to move and graze underneath them.
The panels can also support the agricultural use of the land. During hot periods, they provide shade for the cattle and help protect the grassland from the sun. This can help keep grass available for grazing and hay production.
Building a future as a young farmer means looking years ahead. Agri-PV can help make the farm more resilient by supporting cattle farming and protecting the grassland, while providing an additional stable source of income for the long term.
That is what Agri-PV should be about: not replacing agriculture with energy production, but finding a way for the two to strengthen each other.
Finding the right piece of land
Before a project like this can move forward, many pieces have to come together.
Finding the right location for an Agri-PV project in France means looking at a wide range of criteria. Is the land suitable for both agriculture and solar energy? Are there protected natural areas nearby? And is the project feasible and suitable for the local area?
For Le Bost, those pieces came together. We found a suitable location, started conversations with the landowner and introduced the project to the local mayor. Step by step, the opportunity developed into a concrete project.
Reaching the study phase is an important milestone. Le Bost is the first greenfield project developed by Novar France to reach this stage. It shows that our approach works and marks an important step in building our portfolio in France.
Studying the land through every season
Reaching the study phase does not mean that the design is finished. Quite the opposite. This is where we start learning even more about the location. For Matthieu Birba, Regional Manager for Novar in Western France, the length of this study phase stands out compared to the process in the Netherlands.
During that year, we study the land and its surroundings. We look at biodiversity, the landscape, agricultural use and the technical possibilities of the site. The first results are expected in the autumn of 2026.
Based on those findings, we can start shaping the project in more detail together with the farmer. We do not start with a fixed solar design and fit the land around it. We first look at what the location and the agricultural business need and design the project around that.
Developing Agri-PV with care
Agri-PV is developing quickly in France. At the same time, it raises questions. How do you make sure energy production does not replace farming? And how does a project like this fit into the landscape?
At Le Bost, those questions are part of how we develop the project. Agriculture remains the starting point, while the design also needs to take the surrounding landscape into account.
The local perspective matters too. Solar panels change the landscape, and we are open about that. That is why we involve local residents and stakeholders as the project develops. The design is not set in stone: where possible, their feedback can lead to changes in the project.
One piece of land, two purposes
Le Bost is still at an early stage. There are studies to complete, conversations to have and decisions to make before construction can begin. At the same time, the project already shows what Agri-PV can mean for the French energy transition.
By designing renewable energy projects around existing agricultural activities, the land can continue to support cattle farming while also generating renewable energy. For farmers, Agri-PV can support the agricultural use of their land and provide additional long-term stability for their business.
For Novar, Le Bost is the first French project to reach the study phase. And it will not be the last. We are building our French portfolio step by step, learning from each project and working with farmers and local stakeholders to develop energy systems that fit the land.
Renewable energy is essential for a cleaner future. And so is farming. With Agri-PV, we can create space for both on the same land.
