As part of its low-carbon strategy, APRR has entrusted TotalEnergies with repurposing land no longer required for motorway operations to develop and operate a 5 MWp photovoltaic power plant in the commune of Mantry. The facility was officially inaugurated on June 26, 2025, in the presence of local officials and project partners.
Strategically located near the A39 motorway, the Mantry solar power plant has been carefully designed to blend seamlessly into the landscape without distracting motorists. With an annual output of 6.1 GWh of low-carbon electricity, the plant meets approximately 21% of the electricity needs of the Bresse Haute Seille Community of Communes—nearly 3,850 residents—and helps reduce CO₂ emissions by 109 tonnes per year.
Designed with Nature in Mind
Beyond its clean energy contribution, the facility embodies a strong commitment to biodiversity. Several initiatives have been implemented to support and protect the local ecosystem:
- Bat shelters have been installed along riparian forest edges, particularly to benefit species like the Greater Mouse-eared Bat.
- Wildlife corridors ensure the safe movement of small animals such as hedgehogs and wild rabbits across the site.
- A newly created pond offers an ideal habitat for amphibians, including the Lessona frog.
- Hibernacula—special shelters for reptiles—have been established to help them survive through the colder months.
A Purpose-Driven Project
“The Mantry solar power plant is a smart example of how land no longer needed for motorway operations can be transformed into a resource supporting the energy transition,” said Philippe Giguet, APRR’s Asset Director. “It reflects APRR’s commitment to making the most of its infrastructure by offering practical solutions that benefit the public and the planet. This project is the result of combined expertise, shared purpose, and collective effort.”
With Mantry now online, APRR’s solar network includes seven operational plants, totaling 41 MWp across 46 hectares—marking a significant step forward in the company’s low-carbon strategy.
