Bordeaux's solar-powered revolution aims to transform the city with two million solar panels covering its ring road, which will generate electricity for 420,000 homes. This ambitious initiative positions Bordeaux as a leader in renewable energy and a model for urban sustainability.
Solar Panels to Power 420,000 Homes
Bordeaux is stepping into the future with a groundbreaking initiative to embrace solar energy. The city's ecologist mayor, Pierre Hurmic, has unveiled ambitious plans to transform Bordeaux into a "solar city," starting with a proposal to cover its 45-kilometer ring road with solar panels. This solar-powered revolution aims to position Bordeaux as a leader in renewable energy, thereby reshaping its identity beyond being a wine hub.
The proposed project involves installing two million solar panels over the city’s ring road. These panels would be suspended 17 meters above traffic lanes, creating a canopy that captures solar energy while providing shade to cool the road. Additionally, the panels are designed to collect rainwater and capture greenhouse gases.
If implemented, this initiative could generate enough electricity to power 420,000 homes annually, thus marking a major step in Bordeaux’s green energy journey. This move aligns with Hurmic’s goal of achieving 41% energy autonomy for the city by the end of his term.
Initial Steps and Pilot Projects
The plan to transform the ring road into a solar energy powerhouse is still in its initial stages. The Gironde préfecture — in collaboration with the inter-departmental roads body (DIRA) — has begun seeking bids for pilot projects. These initial installations will focus on motorway access ramps numbered 15, 19, and 22 in the municipalities of Pessac, Villenave-d'Ornon, and Bouliac.
The first phase will cover seven hectares of land near the ring road, thus paving the way for larger-scale implementations. While the government states that this project is not directly linked to the broader ring road solar initiative, Hurmic views it as a vital trial phase. “This is totally in line with our request for a trial. If the experiment succeeds, I would like to see it extended to the entire ring road,” Hurmic said.
The solar panels planned for Bordeaux’s ring road would be similar to those used for car parks in other parts of France. However, the motorway versions would feature transparent designs, thereby allowing natural light to pass through while maximizing energy capture.
The project — if approved — is set to become France’s largest urban solar power plant. Early estimates suggest it could cost upwards of €3 billion. However, engineers leading the initiative believe the investment could pay off in seven years. Once operational, the solar motorway could help the metropolitan area save €672 million annually.
Aside from its high cost, the project requires approvals from multiple stakeholders, including state and regional authorities. The Ministry of Transport has acknowledged the plan’s ambitious nature and is working to assess its feasibility and scope.
Bordeaux’s Solar-Powered Revolution
Bordeaux is no stranger to large-scale solar initiatives. The city already hosts one of France’s largest photovoltaic power stations, with 140,000 solar panels covering a former landfill site. This existing infrastructure sets a strong foundation for the ambitious ring road project.
The city is also exploring other solar projects to meet its clean energy goals. These include adding solar panels to car parks and covering the Bassin des Lumières — a historic submarine base turned cultural space — with solar installations. This latter project alone could generate electricity for 130 households annually.
Mayor Pierre Hurmic’s vision for Bordeaux goes beyond this single project. By building bicycle lanes, adding solar panels to public spaces, and fostering large-scale renewable energy initiatives, Bordeaux aims to set an example for cities worldwide. “I think that Bordeaux can be a pilot city in terms of promoting solar energy, but for that to happen, the municipality itself must be exemplary,” Hurmic remarked.
The Bordeaux solar motorway represents a bold step toward a sustainable future. With its potential to generate clean energy on an unprecedented scale, this project underscores the transformative power of renewable energy. As Bordeaux advances its solar-powered revolution, it paves the way for other cities to follow suit in the global transition to green energy.