Chip Giant STMicroelectronics Secures Massive 15-Year Solar Power Deal in France
The global race toward sustainability just got a major shot of solar energy, with semiconductor powerhouse STMicroelectronics signing a significant Power Purchase Agreement that locks in a large supply of renewable electricity for its French operations. This isn’t just a feel-good environmental footnote; it’s a 15-year commitment that underscores the tech world’s drive for clean energy self-sufficiency.
The agreement, announced in late November 2025, partners STMicroelectronics, or STM, with TSE, a prominent French solar energy producer and developer. The partnership revolves around a long-term, physical Power Purchase Agreement, or PPA, which is set to begin providing power to STM’s sites across France starting in 2027. A “physical” PPA means that the renewable electricity and the associated guarantees of origin are actually delivered to the customer, as opposed to a purely financial or “virtual” arrangement.
Fueling the French Tech Hub
Under the terms of the deal, TSE will supply a colossal volume of approximately 780 Gigawatt hours (GWh) of clean electricity over the 15-year contract term. This massive supply will be generated from three solar parks in France, which boast a total capacity of 43 megawatts (MW), and will support STM’s extensive network in the country, which includes large-volume chip manufacturing, R&D, design, and sales and marketing.
This solar commitment represents STMicroelectronics’ second PPA in France, and it’s a critical step toward achieving their ambitious corporate environmental goals. The semiconductor giant has publicly committed to becoming carbon neutral in its operations, encompassing Scope 1 and 2 emissions and partially Scope 3, by 2027. Crucially, their goal also includes sourcing 100% renewable electricity by that same deadline. These types of long-term PPAs are playing a major role in their global transition, following similar agreements that support their operations in Italy, Malaysia, and Morocco.
A Strategic Partnership for Energy Sovereignty
For TSE, an independent French solar developer known for its focus on agrivoltaics, this agreement is a significant endorsement of their business model. Mathieu Debonnet, President and Co-founder of TSE, highlighted the importance of aligning industrial activity with the energy transition. The partnership demonstrates a collective ability to blend industrial sovereignty with the nation’s push for cleaner energy.
The move by a major global manufacturer like STMicroelectronics to secure long-term, locally-sourced renewable energy is a powerful example for the entire industrial sector. It’s not simply about reducing a carbon footprint, but about securing a stable, decarbonized, and cost-effective energy source for the years ahead. As the world becomes increasingly reliant on semiconductors, ensuring their production is both environmentally sound and energy-resilient is a strategic priority for France and for the semiconductor industry as a whole.
