New Solar Power Plant in France Brings 80 Jobs

French oil and gas company Total SA said Monday it will begin building a solar panel plant in the Moselle region of France early next year.

The installation is slated to house two production lines for a total capacity of 50 megawatt peak, or about 220,000 photovoltaic panels per year, the company said.

The first production line is expected to begin operating toward the end of next year.

The project will create about 80 jobs in the Moselle area, Total said.

"The production unit, situated near our French, German and Northern European customers, allows us to strengthen our market capabilities", said Philippe Boisseau, president of Total Gas & Power.

Shares in Total SA slipped 3 cents to $53.88 in afternoon trading.

SOURCE