Groupe BPCE accelerates its own energy transition by teaming up with H2air through a renewable energy supply contract
Groupe BPCE has just signed a Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA) with H2air, a French independent renewable energy producer. The contract concerns the production of the Bleuets wind farm located in the Hauts-de-France region in northern France. Signed for a 20-year period, it comes into effect on January 1, 2026. Following the announcement of a first CPPA in February this year, this second contract underlines Groupe BPCE’s tangible actions in favor of energy transition in the regions where it operates.
This electricity purchase agreement with H2air will provide Groupe BPCE with supplies of renewable electricity produced by the seven wind turbines of the Bleuets wind farm, located at Saint-Aubin-Montenoy in northern France, an area at the heart of French wind energy production.
The Bleuet facility’s annual electricity production, estimated at 49 GWh, will supply Groupe BPCE’s data centers, administrative offices and bank branches. With the signature of this second major contract, some 30% of the energy needs related to Groupe BPCE’s operations will be covered by direct supplies of renewable energy.
By agreeing to purchase all of the facility’s production, Groupe BPCE will support the development and continued viability of H2air, a well-known player in the wind energy sector since 2008. The partnership will also provide greater stability and long-term visibility on the cost of the energy that the Group uses for its own needs.
For Laurent Benatar, Chief Technology & Operations Officer, Groupe BPCE: “This new direct purchase electricity contract marks an important step in our efforts to step up our renewable energy procurement, in line with our Vision 2030 strategic plan. By teaming up with H2air and supporting its development, we are also fostering the economic viability of new investments in locally-based energy projects and thus helping to respond to the challenges of energy transition in our regions”.
For Camille Vandenbeuck, Executive Director of H2air “BPCE is a longstanding partner of H2air. We have been financing wind farms with the banking group for eight years. We share values with BPCE, notably the importance of being anchored in our regions and communities. The signature of this long-term electricity sales contract on our Bleuets wind farm represents a culmination of our partnership. The contract also illustrates H2air’s ability and commitment to support large corporations in their climate plans, as well as to strengthen their resilience to market volatility and their anticipation of regulatory requirements”.
Crédit photo : Iminance.
A French independent renewable electricity producer, H2air was founded by Roy Mahfouz in 2008. A pioneer in onshore wind energy in France, H2air has become a pivotal player on the French market. Its 160 staff develop, finance, build and operate wind and solar power facilities. The group also provides connection and storage solutions. As an integrated player, H2air sells its decarbonized electricity to large private corporations though long-term supply contracts underpinned by a diversified portfolio of de-risked projects.
