CERN Partners with Voltalia to Power Particle Accelerators with Renewable Solar Energy

Voltalia has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) for two solar farms under development in France.

CERN, a renowned scientific institution specializing in fundamental physics, operates energy-intensive particle accelerators near Geneva, straddling the French-Swiss border. Through this agreement, CERN will source renewable electricity from Voltalia, helping to offset 8,775 tons of CO2 emissions annually.

As part of the 15-year Corporate PPA, CERN will purchase the entire output of two solar power plants with a combined capacity of 26.8 megawatts, located in southern France. Together, these facilities will generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of 19,400 households. Sébastien Clerc, CEO of Voltalia, said,“Voltalia is very proud to supply renewable energy to CERN, and in particular to its world-renowned particles accelerators, which demonstrated the existence of the Higgs boson. Our two photovoltaic projects will make a tangible contribution to CERN’s efforts to protect the environment through the production of competitive, low-carbon energy.”

This collaboration aligns with CERN’s commitment to sustainable energy practices. Certified under ISO 50001 since February 2023, CERN prioritizes energy efficiency, waste energy recovery, and minimizing consumption. The partnership with Voltalia underscores CERN’s dedication to responsible energy management.