VIVESCIA and TSE sign a partnership to develop agrivoltaic projects in the Grand Est region

The agricultural cooperative and TSE, a leading player in agrivoltaics, will support farmers wishing to explore agrivoltaic projects tailored to their operations.

At the Châlons Fair, VIVESCIA and TSE announced the signing of a partnership

An alliance designed to develop agrivoltaic projects within the cooperative's territory. This partnership aims to support farmers who wish to develop this solution to reconcile agricultural production with the generation of carbon-free electricity. The cooperative's members will benefit from the economic returns generated by the co-development company, while the local area, particularly local authorities, will benefit from the value created by these installations (local taxes, etc.).

VIVESCIA will leverage its knowledge of farms and the region to identify projects that meet the needs of its members. TSE will provide its expertise in the development, financing, construction, and operation of agrivoltaic installations.

Supporting farms in the face of climate challenges

Droughts, heatwaves, and episodes of hail or frost: climate-related risks are increasing and weakening agricultural operations. Depending on the type of production, agrivoltaics can provide additional protection against these phenomena. By modulating sunlight and limiting heat spikes, the installations help reduce thermal and water stress on crops, better preserve soil moisture, and limit irrigation needs. In livestock farming, they provide shaded areas that improve animal comfort during hot weather or episodes of hail or heavy rain.

Additional income to strengthen the long-term viability of farms

In addition to the services provided for agricultural production, agrivoltaic projects allow farmers to benefit from supplementary income, independent of climate risks and the volatility of agricultural markets. This income can help finance new investments, modernize operations, or prepare for farm succession, in a context where nearly two out of three farmers will reach retirement age by 2030.

The partnership between VIVESCIA and TSE is part of this commitment to supporting farmers over the long term by offering projects adapted to the realities of each farm.

Cooperation based on complementary expertise

VIVESCIA and TSE will work together on all stages of project development: identifying opportunities, consulting with farmers and local authorities, and conducting research and agronomic monitoring programs.

This complementarity between VIVESCIA's agricultural expertise and TSE's recognized know-how in agrivoltaics will allow for the development of projects that fully meet the requirements of the APER law and its implementing decrees.

The agrivoltaics developed by TSE enable the co-existence of sustainable agricultural production and competitive, sovereign, carbon-free French electricity. The solutions implemented help protect crops against certain climate risks while maintaining the agricultural purpose of the land.

Cédric Cogniez, Managing Director of Agricultural Activities and Grain Sectors at VIVESCIA :

"This partnership with TSE is fully in line with our mission as a cooperative: to create sustainable value for our farmer-members and support them in their transitions. By combining our expertise, we aim to offer them solutions adapted to the realities of their farms, at the intersection of competitiveness, sustainability, and innovation. This cooperation illustrates our long-term commitment to the development of our regions, the resilience of agriculture, and the energy transition."

‍

Bertrand Drouot-l’Hermine, Deputy CEO of Development at TSE :

"We are particularly proud to partner with VIVESCIA, a major cooperative player in the Grand Est region, to jointly develop agrivoltaic projects that meet the needs of farmers and local communities. This partnership reflects our conviction that agrivoltaics can only be built through close collaboration with the agricultural sector. Together, we will offer solutions that protect crops from climate-related risks, provide additional income for farmers, and contribute to producing competitive, low-carbon electricity in France. By combining the expertise of VIVESCIA and TSE, we are creating the conditions for sustainable development that benefits farmers, local regions, and French energy sovereignty."

‍

About VIVESCIA    

VIVESCIA is an international agricultural and food cooperative group with a turnover of €3.8 billion (as of June 30, 2025) and 4,000 employees (as of January 31, 2026) across 14 countries. Specializing in the cultivation and processing of grains and ingredients, VIVESCIA is owned by 9,000 farmer-entrepreneurs in northeastern France.

VIVESCIA is committed to caring for grain, from field to table, with a team of people dedicated to sustainable plant and cereal supply chains: an average of 3.5 million tons of grain are collected each year in the Grand Est region, and 2,000 beers are consumed every second around the world brewed with Malteurop malt. One product from our Francine brand is purchased every second in France. Grands Moulins de Paris supports one in three artisan bakers in France. Our expertise also extends to the corn semolina sector with KALIZEA, animal nutrition with NEALIA, and the biotechnology and plant chemistry ecosystem with ARD.

About TSE

Founded in 2016, TSE is a 100% French, independent company specializing in the development and production of solar energy, covering the entire value chain. With 16 offices across France, its operating portfolio provides the equivalent of the electricity consumption of 350,000 inhabitants.

A leading player in agrivoltaics, TSE has developed a world-first agricultural canopy solution and a tracker-based shade system that is a first in France. Since 2023, TSE has raised over €500 million to accelerate its growth and industrialization. TSE is B Corp™ certified and has been a member of the French Tech 120 for two years. TSE is a founding member of the Holosolis consortium, a photovoltaic panel gigafactory in Hambach, Moselle.