On 18 June at the Palais des Congrès in Ajaccio, Capenergies, with the support of ADEC and MEDEF Corsica, organised the 3rd Energy & Innovation Day in Corsica, bringing together nearly 60 players from Corsica's innovation, training and economic development sectors for a day of discussion and reflection on a key issue:
How can we combine technological innovation and social transition in Corsica?
"The ecological transition represents both a major challenge and a strategic opportunity for Corsican companies. Faced with the acceleration of climate change, the rising cost of fossil fuels and the proliferation of regulatory requirements, companies need to adapt quickly to ensure their long-term survival. In Corsica, where 90 % of energy is imported, the challenges are accentuated by environmental vulnerability and the island's location", said Jean-Pierre MUFRAGGI, representative of MEDEF Corsica, in his introduction.
A collective dynamic, supported by high-quality presentations and themed workshops highlighting feedback and achievements, focusing on 4 major issues:
1 | Heat and cooling production
Whether it's the F-GAS, the Eco Energie Tertiaire decree or the CSRD, anticipating regulatory changes is essential to ensure the long-term future of Corsica's economic activities. Like Giordani Génie Climatique, there are an increasing number of companies developing and offering solutions for the energy transition. At the same time, innovative projects are multiplying, such as the thalassothermal installation currently under construction at the Palais des Congrès in Ajaccio. There are many possibilities for decarbonising activities and reducing energy consumption. To set up a comprehensive project, the main challenge is to surround yourself with experts so that you can benefit from the best possible support, both technical and financial. One of the gateways is the "Simplified Approach" platform, which puts project developers in touch with all the funding bodies in the region.
With contributions from : Pierre-Paul GIORDANI - Giordani Génie Climatique | Philippe SAMPIERI - ADEME | Stéphane VALLETTE - CCI Corse
2 | CO₂ capture, storage and recovery (CCUS)
Centred around a presentation by Yann Le Gallo of Geostock, an international specialist in underground storage, this workshop detailed the main stages in the CCUS chain, from industrial capture to geological storage, via the recovery of CO₂ into synthetic fuels.
The cement industry is a major emitter and a good illustration of the strategic importance of the CCUS in reducing residual emissions.
Regulatory delays and technical complexity were highlighted, as was the need for specific infrastructure (transport, storage, security). France is keeping a close eye on the progress made by its European neighbours, such as Norway, where large-scale projects are leading the way.
3 | Societal acceptability and behaviour change
Providing information is no longer enough: we need to get people involved. This workshop highlighted the need to co-construct energy projects with citizens. Far from a simple top-down approach, the speakers stressed the importance of education, active listening and proximity as levers of support. The transformation of uses will only be sustainable if users become players and ambassadors for the projects. A successful transition is also a shared transition.
With contributions from : Benjamin Dallard, L'energeticien | Anna Bourassin - Rénover pour demain | Elisabeth Rossi-Sutter - Solertia Ingenierie
4 | Artificial Intelligence & energy transition
Whether it's optimising the energy consumption of buildings, anticipating failures, or structuring collaborative projects thanks to the digital innovation hub in Corsica, local projects are seizing on AI with ambition and responsibility. Jean-Pierre VOROPAIEFF, CEO, A-GRID |Alberto PAGNETTI, data scientist, EDF SEI | Jean Sébastien GUALTIERI, R&D Project Manager, SITEC | Nicolas HULOUX, Head of Research and Coordinator of the MIRA Engineering School, shared concrete solutions combining performance, energy frugality, local data hosting and ethical governance. A consensus is emerging: the energy transition in Corsica will require a sober AI, driven by locally-trained talent.
Capenergies remains committed to supporting the development of innovative projects by Corsican companies, and we look forward to seeing you in the near future to extend this dynamic in support of innovation, transition and competitiveness in Corsica!
MEDEF Corsica is working to inform, support and equip businesses for this transformation. It is working on three fronts: anticipation (monitoring and raising awareness), support (diagnostics, financing, workshops) and acceleration (support for innovation, structuring partnerships). Co-organising the Ghjurnata Corsica Energia Innuvazione, alongside Capenergies, is part of this dynamic: promoting concrete solutions, encouraging cooperation and demonstrating that innovation can make the transition viable, inclusive and value-creating for the region. In this way, MEDEF Corsica intends to fully play its role as a catalyst for sustainable and controlled economic development.
Contact: Aline RINAGEL-HOFFMANN Head of Ecological Transition - MEDEF Corsica -
