What is Ciel & Terre’s Floating Solar Project?
Ciel & Terre is a true pioneer in floating solar technology, specializing in deploying floating solar power plants worldwide since 2011. Their patented Hydrelio® system transforms inland and artificial water bodies into productive energy sources by installing photovoltaic (PV) modules on water surfaces. This innovative approach addresses land use conflicts by preserving precious land while generating green energy. Starting from rooftop and ground-mounted PV systems, Ciel & Terre has evolved to lead the floating solar market with over 340 successful projects across 25 countries on five continents. The company’s mission is clear: act now, act big, and deploy renewable energy solutions that respect both people and the planet.
Main Benefits and Key Facts of Ciel & Terre’s Floating Solar Solutions
The floating solar technology developed by Ciel & Terre offers numerous advantages, backed by impressive figures and milestones:
- Over 340 floating solar projects completed globally since 2011
- Hydrelio® system patented and industrialized, ensuring reliability and durability
- Installed in 25 countries across five continents, showcasing global reach
- First floating PV plant over 1 MWc installed in 2013, setting a world record
- Local teams established in key regions including Europe, USA, Japan, Taiwan, India, Thailand, Brazil, and South Korea
- Strong R&D capabilities in product design, anchoring, and project engineering
- Focus on preserving land by utilizing artificial ponds and water surfaces
The Vision Behind Floating Solar
Ciel & Terre’s vision is bold and inspiring: to make floating solar an essential energy source worldwide. They continuously optimize their solutions, drawing on extensive experience and offering expert advice and support services. This vision is not just about technology—it’s about forging new paths that respect human life and biodiversity. The company invites everyone to join a human and solar adventure, passionate about building a shared, sustainable future. It’s about cooperation, hybrid talents, and smart solutions that push the boundaries of renewable energy.
History and Evolution of Ciel & Terre
The journey of Ciel & Terre is a story of innovation and growth. Starting in 2006 with roof-mounted solar plants, the company patented its Arch’Helios® rooftop racking system in 2008. The real game-changer came in 2011 with the invention of Hydrelio®, the patented floating PV technology. That same year, the first pilot project was launched in Piolenc, France. International expansion followed quickly, with the first large-scale floating PV plant over 1 MWc installed in Okegawa, Japan, in 2013. Since then, Ciel & Terre has established offices and teams around the world, including the USA, Taiwan, India, Thailand, and more, solidifying its position as a global leader in floating solar.
Reliable Solutions and Smart Services
Ciel & Terre doesn’t just provide floating solar systems—they deliver reliable, durable solutions backed by smart services. Their strong R&D capabilities cover product innovation, anchoring techniques, and project design, ensuring each installation meets the highest standards. Working closely with local partners and teams worldwide, they tailor solutions to specific project needs, guaranteeing performance and longevity. This hands-on approach means clients benefit from expert guidance and support throughout the project lifecycle, making floating solar a practical and efficient choice for commercial, industrial, and governmental institutions.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – Promoting renewable energy access worldwide
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Reducing urban land use conflicts
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Cutting greenhouse gas emissions through clean energy
- SDG 15: Life on Land – Preserving land by utilizing water surfaces for energy
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Collaborating globally to advance renewable solutions
Global Presence and Local Expertise
Ciel & Terre’s footprint spans the globe with local teams ready to support projects wherever they arise. From their headquarters in France to offices in the USA, Japan, Taiwan, India, Brazil, and South Korea, they combine global expertise with local knowledge. This network ensures projects are executed smoothly, respecting regional regulations and environmental considerations. Whether it’s a small pilot or a large-scale commercial plant, Ciel & Terre’s presence worldwide means clients get tailored, on-the-ground support that makes floating solar projects successful and sustainable.
What Ciel & Terre actually does
Ciel & Terre International designs and supplies floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems that install solar modules on inland and artificial water bodies such as reservoirs, quarry lakes, irrigation ponds and industrial basins. Founded in 2006 near Lille, France, the company has specialised in floating solar since 2011, when it built its first 15 kWp pilot at Piolenc and launched Hydrelio®, its patented floating PV technology.
Its product range now includes Hydrelio®, the honeycomb-structured Fusio® designed to cool modules passively, WattRack® for denser plants, and floating power barges. Alongside the hardware it offers support across every project stage, from site assessment to anchoring and mooring design, with the stated purpose of deploying renewable energy worldwide while preserving land.
Where Ciel & Terre shows up
- Industrial sites: floating plants on process water bodies, including Tata Steel’s Jamshedpur and Kalinganagar sites in India
- Utilities and public water bodies: large reservoirs such as Ramagundam and Omkareshwar in India
- Agricultural and irrigation ponds: a long series of plants on Japanese ponds, including Komo Ike, Kaichi Ike and Ondani Ike
- Former quarries and lakes in Europe: French sites such as Lescheroux, Gueugnon and the 35 MWp Matignicourt project now in construction
Proof, not just claims
The company reports a further 1.9 GWp of projects on the way. In 2013 its Okegawa plant in Japan was the first floating PV plant above 1 MWp, and Hydrelio® received the Solar Impulse Efficient Solution label in February 2020.
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Why this belongs on a sustainability directory
Ground-mounted solar competes with farming, housing and natural habitats for space. Ciel & Terre puts the panels on water surfaces that are otherwise unused, so new solar capacity does not take up land. That links it directly to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), with more than 1.4 GWp of renewable capacity installed, and to SDG 13 (Climate Action), because that electricity displaces fossil generation on grids such as India’s and Japan’s. The company also says partial coverage of a water body can reduce evaporation, limit wave erosion and restrain invasive algae blooms.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Ciel & Terre based, and who uses it?
Ciel & Terre International was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in Sainghin-en-Mélantois, near Lille, France, with offices in the USA, Japan, Taiwan, India and Brazil. Its systems are used by industrial companies such as Tata Steel, by utilities and public owners of reservoirs, and by owners of agricultural ponds and former quarries.
Which SDGs does Ciel & Terre support, and how?
SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by building floating solar plants with more than 1.4 GWp installed across 30+ countries, and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by adding renewable power without using land that is needed for farming, housing or habitats.
How is Ciel & Terre verified as a sustainability project?
Its Hydrelio® floating solar system received the Solar Impulse Efficient Solution label in February 2020, according to the Solar Impulse Foundation’s company page for Ciel & Terre International. Its installed capacity and project list are published on its own website.
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