Solar energy expansion causes 6,100 hectares of deforestation in France

The expansion of ground-mounted solar energy in France has led to the clearing of approximately 6,100 hectares of forest to meet European renewable energy targets. According to a study by Reporterre using IGN data, at least 1,573 solar plants occupied over 11,400 hectares of agricultural or natural land by the end of 2025.

Significant deforestation has occurred in regions such as the Landes, with nearly 2,000 hectares affected, and the southern Alps foothills, where over 1,000 hectares were cleared. In Cruis, a project on Mount Lure received a legal exemption from species protection via the Conseil d'État.

This trend is driven by the European Union's RED III directive, which mandates that 42.5% of final energy consumption come from renewable sources by 2030. To meet these binding goals, French authorities have accelerated construction permits, including in wooded areas. While solar installations on rooftops, parking lots, or industrial brownfields are available, developers often favor large natural areas due to lower costs and technical simplicity.