Supporting the largest refinancing of the year in the French renewable energy market

Renewable energy in France: a highly dynamic market in 2025

In 2024, renewables accounted for nearly 16% of primary energy consumption, and their share in the French economy continues to grow. While wood energy and hydropower are the most developed sectors, wind and solar photovoltaic are among the fastest-growing ones. 

By the end of 2024, the French wind power fleet reached 25 GW (23.5 GW onshore and 1.5 GW offshore). On the photovoltaic side, 2024 was particularly significant, with a 48% increase in installed capacity compared to the previous year. The French solar fleet represented 25.3 GW of capacity. The sector benefited from favourable legislative and regulatory measures aimed at supporting installation costs and encouraging production capacity development.⁽¹⁾

A landmark refinancing operation

Founded in 2004, JP Energie Environnement (JPee) is one of France’s leading independent renewable energy companies. This family-owned business develops, finances, builds, operates, and maintains wind farms and photovoltaic plants across the country. It is also involved in solar plant construction for third parties for self-consumption and is pursuing battery storage projects. As of November 2025, JPee has an installed capacity of 622 MW, with 18 wind farms and 70 solar plants. In 2025, it plans to produce 880,000 MWh, equivalent to the annual consumption of 400,000 people.

To strengthen its financial position, expand its scope, and consolidate its role as a major player in the energy transition, JPee has raised €430 million in debt. This financing aims to refinance a portfolio of wind and solar projects representing a total capacity of 427 MW—nearly 70% of its total installed capacity. The portfolio includes 44 assets—25 solar plants and 19 wind farms (including one under construction)—spread across France. This transaction marks a significant milestone in the company’s evolution, providing the means to pursue external growth and expand internationally.
 

Alongside renewable energy players

Societe Generale supported JPee as Mandated Lead Arranger, Lender, and Hedge Provider. The Bank demonstrated its consistent support for projects aimed at developing renewable energy, with ambitious deployment objectives. The quality and dedication of its teams throughout the origination and execution process enabled the structuring and delivery of efficient financing under optimised conditions for the client and within a tight schedule. Thanks to this operation, JPee also plans new international developments, for which Societe Generale can provide support through its global reach and deep knowledge of various markets.