Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 10, SNCF Energie, Octopus Energy’s generation arm, and renewable energy company BayWa r.e. have signed two long-term Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs) with SNCF Voyageurs, the French national railway operator. The 25-year agreements aim to accelerate the decarbonisation of France’s rail transport system through the supply of renewable electricity.

Greenberry solar farm.

Under the terms of the CPPAs, SNCF Energie will provide green electricity generated from the Greenberry and Fontenet 3 solar farms. Both projects were developed and constructed by BayWa r.e. and later acquired by Octopus Energy through its Sky fund (ORI SCSp). Together, the two solar farms are expected to deliver more than 100GWh of renewable electricity each year, totaling approximately 2.5TWh over the 25-year period. According to BayWa r.e., this energy output is sufficient to power about 15,500 TGV high-speed train trips between Paris and Rennes annually.

The agreements form part of SNCF Voyageurs’ broader strategy to reduce its carbon footprint and enhance the sustainability of rail transport. The company plans to source 20% of its total electricity needs through similar PPAs, contributing to its goal of obtaining 40–50% of the power for its trains from renewable sources by 2030.

Richard Fécamp, Managing Director of SNCF Energie, stated: “This is a huge leap forward for SNCF’s ambition to decarbonise and expand rail transport. As one of France’s largest energy consumers, we aim to source between 40% and 50% of the electricity consumed by our trains from renewables by 2030, including 20% from PPAs. The Fontenet 3 and Greenberry PPAs represent significant progress in our commitment to clean energy transformation.”

Dr. Daniel Gaefke, Chief Operating Officer of BayWa r.e., commented: “Completing the negotiation of these two PPAs in just three months – from kick-off to signature – underscores what a perfect match this collaboration is and our commitment to delivering large-scale renewable solutions at pace.”

Alex Brierly, Co-head of Octopus Energy Generation, said: “Travelling by train is already one of the cleanest ways to get around, and we’re proud to help put SNCF’s trains on an even greener track. We’ve already invested in over 30 solar and wind projects across France, and we’ll continue to steam ahead to power the country’s green energy future.”

This initiative reflects a growing trend in France toward renewable energy partnerships between infrastructure operators and power producers. It also supports Octopus Energy’s ongoing expansion in the French energy market. The company now manages more than 500MW of solar and wind capacity and supplies electricity to over 600,000 homes through its retail operations.

The successful conclusion of these CPPAs demonstrates the growing importance of renewable energy in the transportation sector and highlights the role of collaborative investment in advancing France’s transition toward sustainable energy generation.