Holosolis, a company established by EIT InnoEnergy, IDEC group, and TSE, has announced plans to construct the largest photovoltaic (PV) module gigafactory in Sarreguemines, Moselle, France. This initiative aims to bolster Europe’s solar PV manufacturing capabilities and ensure energy security across the continent. The factory is expected to surpass the capacity of Europe’s current largest factory by nearly 70%.
Operations are scheduled to commence in 2025, with full operational capacity achieved by 2027. Once fully operational, the factory will have a production capacity of 5GW per year, generating 10 million photovoltaic modules annually. This output will satisfy the energy requirements of one million European households. The project will also create employment opportunities, with 1,700 individuals expected to be hired, primarily from the Grand Est region and the Sarreguemine area, in partnership with Pôle Emploi.
Holosolis aims to address concerns regarding supply sovereignty, as China currently dominates 80% of the world’s installed photovoltaic modules compared to the European Union’s 3%. The company also emphasizes sustainability, striving to lead the EU industry towards low-carbon and recyclable products.
Holosolis was formed through the collaboration of three prominent entities: EIT InnoEnergy, IDEC Group, and TSE. EIT InnoEnergy, backed by the European Union, is a leading investor in cleantech and sustainable energy. The IDEC Group is a major player in the French real estate sector, while TSE is a prominent producer of solar energy in France, specializing in agrivoltaics.
The gigafactory in Sarreguemines aligns with the European Solar and Photovoltaics Industrial Alliance (ESIA) and the European Union Green Deal Industrial Plan, contributing to the reindustrialization of Europe and the achievement of the REPowerEU plan, which targets 600GW of solar energy by 2030.
France was chosen as the location for the gigafactory due to its skilled workforce, quality infrastructure, and low-carbon energy production. The selected site spans 50 hectares and allows for future expansion as new technologies and manufacturing capacities are incorporated.