Aluminium Dunkerque has begun a major solar project.
The company has installed 7,000 photovoltaic panels, in the form of canopies, in its car park. A first on an industrial site in the region.
The installation will produce nearly 3,000 MWh of electricity per year, the equivalent of the consumption of 700 households.
This energy will be used to directly supply the smelter and the surplus will be injected into France’s electricity grid.
The initiative will enable the complete modernisation of lighting and the installation of new charging stations for electric vehicles at the industrial site which consumes the most electricity in France.
The project is being carried out in partnership with TSE as part of an industry consortium with Gagnepark, Equans Solar & Storage and Bouygues.
Alban Casimir, Deputy CEO for Industrial Convergence at TSE, stated: “TSE is committed to supporting French industry and its competitiveness through green and cheap electricity. Without energy, there is no industry.
“While France imports more than 60% of its needs, we need to electrify to gain sovereignty. Our nuclear and solar electricity mix is a French know-how that generates value in our territories and strengthens our economy.”
$3.5 million has been invested into the project, illustrating Aluminium Dunkerque's commitment to energy and the environmental transition.
“This self-consumption parking shade project is an example; it is a key step in achieving our socio-environmental goals. It illustrates our desire to actively contribute to a more sustainable future,” added Laurent Courtois, Energy and Climate Director at Aluminium Dunkerque.
The project is due to be completed in the summer of 2026.
