BDI was present at the Breton Economic Forum (FEB) on 31 August and 1 September 2022. At the Palais du Grand Large in Saint-Malo, the Brittany Region’s economic agency ran a space dedicated to the Energy Transition with four conferences scheduled throughout the two days. The event was also an opportunity to present the directory of energy transition solution providers to economic players.
An edition focused on independence
Focused on the theme of “Building our independence”, the 3rd edition of the FEB was an opportunity to exchange and debate on the issues facing the world (food, energy sovereignty, new climate solutions, relocation). “The FEB was able to count on high-level interventions, with relevant points of view on the main topics of current economic affairs, underlines Alain Terpant, Managing Director of BDI. Notably Geoffroy Roux de Beyzieux (President of Medef), on the difficulties and opportunities for companies in the context of multiple crises – health, energy and geopolitical -, François Villeroy de Galhau (Governor of the Bank of France), on the issues of inflation and price control, or Jean-Yves Le Drian, who drew an uncompromising picture of the international geopolitical situation.”
The Energy Transition community, a place for interesting exchanges and conviviality
During the FEB, BDI led the energy transition section through four conferences. “These conferences highlighted how Brittany is dynamic and provides solutions to prepare for the future,” notes Élodie Boileux, BDI’s Energy Transition Project Manager.
Renewable hydrogen conference
This conference highlighted Brittany’s position in this field. “More than 40 projects and numerous players have been identified in the region. Maritime and port activities benefit from a strong regional impetus to be developed.” During this conference, a focus was made on the Engie and Karrgreen projects, but many other projects can be discovered on the directory of renewable hydrogen projects in Brittany online on the BDI website.
Discover the renewable hydrogen projects
Smart Energies Conference
Moderated by Françoise Restif, this conference was entitled: “Moving away from fossil fuels is possible! The example of mobility”. The aim was to discuss the initiatives and projects implemented in Brittany to move away from the systematic use of fossil fuels. “Companies using these solutions gave testimonies, explains Elodie Boileux. It is important to identify the entrepreneurs and players in the region. BDI has also just developed, in partnership with some fifteen regional players, a directory of solution providers for the Energy Transition in Brittany.”
Find out more about the Energy Transition
Marine energies conference
This round table provided an opportunity for initial feedback on the Saint-Brieuc offshore wind project, which was started in 2011 and plans to produce the equivalent of 9% of Brittany’s energy consumption by 2023. “Based on the testimonies of both Ailes Marines and Bretagne Ocean Power, the conference presented the first economic benefits for Brittany in terms of jobs and opportunities for local businesses. Not forgetting the industrial installations and activities that will be induced in the ports of Lézardrieux, Brest and Le Havre…”
Find out more about Marine energies
Wind propulsion for ships conference
The challenge of decarbonising maritime transport is a global one, representing 90% of the world’s freight transport. This conference presented the development prospects of a propulsion method that is already known, but which is now being reinvented thanks to the contribution of new technologies. As Carole Bourlon, in charge of Major Structuring Projects at BDI, pointed out: “Brittany, with its expertise in the world of sailing, competitive sailing and the naval sector, has the assets to meet this huge challenge of maritime transport. This is what emerges from a study of the region carried out by our agency.
Find out more about wind-powered ships
Food Transition Conference
Donnons du sens, a research, consulting and engineering firm specialising in eco-design solutions, and Atelier V, a company specialising in the design of vegan dishes, presented their work on positive food. This pitch made it possible to identify a number of avenues to be explored in order to meet the challenges of the food transition, such as reducing sugar and salt in food or prioritising short or local circuits. The principle of positive nutrition is fully in line with the national programme “Eating Well for all”.
A directory presented in a playful way
Playing a leading role in the transitions as an observatory of the agri-food and digital sectors, BDI took advantage of the FEB to present the directory of solution providers for the energy transition. For this purpose, BDI had invited the theatre company Echappées belles. Its actors had prepared sketches to present the tool to actors in the energy transition to help them get listed. “We already had an initial overview of all the players in the energy transition thanks to the CRAFT database,” says Alain Terpant. The FEB was an opportunity to increase it by making it known and attracting players.”
