Carbon Acquires New 3.5 GW Module Manufacturing Facility

In a strategic move to bolster France’s domestic renewable energy sector, solar manufacturer Carbon has finalized its acquisition of Photowatt from EDF Renouvelables. This purchase is a foundational step in Carbon’s ambitious plan to establish a large-scale gigafactory in Fos-sur-Mer, which, according to multiple industry reports, will feature a 3.5 GW annual solar module capacity and 5 GW of cell production by 2026-2027.

A €40 Million Injection Following Carbon Acquires New 3.5 GW Module Manufacturing Facility

To jumpstart this vision, Carbon is committing an immediate €40 million ($44.6 million) to revitalize and expand Photowatt’s operations. This investment will fund a new 500 MW photovoltaic module assembly unit at the company’s existing site in Bourgoin-Jallieu. Slated for completion by the end of 2025, this expansion is expected to secure the future for the site’s 170 employees.

Beyond expanding production lines, the investment will establish a new research and development hub called the Carbon Lab. This R&D center will focus on refining manufacturing processes and developing technologies to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of its solar panels, positioning Carbon to compete with dominant global manufacturers.

Photowatt: A Pilot Project After Carbon Acquires New 3.5 GW Module Manufacturing Facility

With a legacy in the solar industry dating back to 1979, Photowatt will not just be absorbed but will play a pivotal role as a pilot facility for Carbon’s larger project. The site will be used to test and perfect new production techniques for the next generation of solar panel technology before they are deployed at the planned gigafactory.

This strategic acquisition addresses the rising demand for ‘Made-in-France’ renewable energy components. While the Photowatt purchase is a significant milestone, Carbon still faces the challenge of securing an estimated €1.7 billion in funding required for its full-scale Fos-sur-Mer facility.

Securing a Future for French Solar Manufacturing After Carbon Acquires New 3.5 GW Module Manufacturing Facility

For EDF Renewables, which had owned Photowatt since 2012, the sale marks a positive transition for a company that has faced financial difficulties amid intense market competition. Bruno Fyot, deputy CEO of EDF Renewables, endorsed the deal, stating, “EDF Renewables considers that the acquisition project for Photowatt proposed by Carbon would provide new impetus to sustain the company’s activity and secure jobs on the site.”

By integrating Photowatt’s experienced team and infrastructure, Carbon is laying critical groundwork for its gigafactory ambitions. This move signals a strong commitment to reviving and scaling up French solar manufacturing for both domestic and global markets.

Sources

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