[PR] VSB France: 25 Years of Driving Renewable Energy Development
/ Nîmes / 01.10.2026
On the occasion of its participation in the Colloque National de France Renouvelables, taking place in Paris on 7 and 8 October (1), VSB France, an independent power producer, looks back on its achievements since the company was founded 25 years ago. Over more than two decades, VSB France has contributed to the construction of more than 60 wind farms and around 30 photovoltaic power plants across France.
Supporting the renewable energy sector from the very beginning
VSB France was founded in 2001, at the dawn of France’s renewable energy industry, by two employees in Tournon-sur-Rhône. As one of the pioneers of renewable energy project development in France, VSB commissioned its first wind farm in Saint-Agrève, Ardèche, in 2006. In 2010, the company reached another milestone with the commissioning of its first photovoltaic power plants in the Gard department, where VSB France had relocated its headquarters in 2005. By 2015, VSB France had grown to 40 employees and launched its first ambitious strategic growth plan, developing projects both for its own portfolio and on behalf of third parties.Between 2017 and 2018, new offices were opened in Paris, Toulouse and Reims, complementing the company’s long-standing offices in Nîmes and Rennes. VSB France’s activities now extended across the entire country.
In 2020, VSB France entered a new phase of accelerated growth with the support of a European investment fund. The company introduced a new strategic plan and shifted towards an independent power producer model, prioritising the development and construction of projects for its own portfolio. VSB France also signed its first Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with a major player in the hydrogen sector, followed by another agreement with one of the world’s leading retailers.
2025 marked another major milestone for VSB France as the company became part of TotalEnergies. That same year, VSB France inaugurated one of its largest photovoltaic power plants, a 9 MWp facility in Druelle-Balsac in the Aveyron department, and began construction of its largest wind farm to date, a 40 MW project in the Calvados department.
At the beginning of 2026, VSB France further strengthened its position as a major renewable energy player in France with the commissioning of two new wind farms representing a combined capacity of 45 MW, while actively pursuing its strategy in repowering and agrivoltaics. VSB France now employs around 100 people. Over the past 25 years, the company has installed the equivalent of 300 wind turbines, built around 60 wind farms and developed approximately 30 photovoltaic power plants.
The key to success: project development built on local engagement and community acceptance
Since its creation, VSB France has developed its projects around two fundamental principles: strong local roots and community acceptance. VSB France has always prioritised stakeholder engagement throughout the entire project development process. Projects are designed and developed in close collaboration with local communities and stakeholders, who are involved at every stage. Regular dialogue is systematically established with all relevant stakeholders, including local elected officials, residents, landowners, farmers, associations and local businesses. VSB France also takes into account the specific characteristics and expectations of each area in order to ensure that every project is tailored as closely as possible to its local environment.
“VSB France has always followed a clear principle: we do not move forward with project development without involving the municipalities concerned. They are key partners and must play a full role in the development of renewable energy within their communities,” explained Maël Lagarde, Managing Director of VSB France.
People at the heart of our development
Another key factor in the company’s success is the commitment of its employees, all of whom have chosen to join VSB and play an active role in advancing renewable energy across France. Since its creation, VSB France has therefore invested significantly in training, enabling employees to develop new skills, share their expertise and keep pace with evolving professions and technologies. Knowledge sharing and the development of future talent are also key priorities. VSB actively promotes work-study programmes, regularly welcomes apprentices and has recently signed a partnership with the *Campus des Métiers et des Qualifications d’Excellence Habitat, Énergies Renouvelables et Éco-construction* (CMQE HEREC). This partnership aims to strengthen ties with education and training providers and help prepare the skills and professions needed for the future of the energy sector.
VSB France is also committed to providing a positive, collaborative and supportive working environment where employees can thrive professionally. These efforts have been recognised: VSB France has been Great Place To Work certified since 2023.
“Our story is unique,” said Maël Lagarde, Managing Director of VSB France. “VSB’s development has closely mirrored the growth of renewable energy in France, following a very similar trajectory. After a period of strong growth, we are now consolidating our activities around key strategic priorities to ensure our long-term development. And we are doing so while remaining more committed than ever to our core principle: developing projects with local communities, for the benefit of local communities.”
*(1) The 16th Colloque National de France Renouvelables will take place on 7 and 8 October 2026 at the Parc Floral de Paris. Renewable energy professionals, experts, scientists, elected officials, representatives of associations and young people will come together to continue the momentum initiated by the sector 30 years ago: building France’s energy transition.*
VSB France will be exhibiting at Stand G6.
