Lionel Thémine, Julien Fleury & Thomas de Moussac (EDHEC Grande École 2001 & 2003), candidates for the EDHEC Entrepreneur of the Year award - Technique Solaire

Candidates for the EDHEC Entrepreneur of the Year award.

Technique Solaire is above all the story of 3 EDHEC graduates:
•    Julien Fleury (EDHEC 2001), started his career with Capgemini Consulting, where he worked for 7 years as a Management Consultant helping large public organizations undergoing transformations
•    Lionel Thémine (EDHEC 2003) worked for 7 years at Ernst & Young as a Financial Auditor, primarily in real estate
•    Thomas de Moussac (EDHEC 2003) also worked as a Management Consultant with Capgemini Consulting for 5 years, with a particular focus on the Energy sector

After their studies, during which they actively contributed to their respective associations, and in particular the BDE, and some initial work experience, they reunited with shared enthusiasm for a common goal: to become entrepreneurs and “Make an impact” (© EDHEC).

What could be more exciting and rewarding than creating and developing a business in the Energy Transition sector, part of the third industrial revolution described by J. Rifkin and a crucial challenge in the interest of the wider public, recognised as the “Affaire du siècle”?

10 years after it was launched, Technique Solaire has become an independent producer of renewable energy with national renown. It develops, finances, builds and operates renewable energy production units (solar and photovoltaic electricity and biogas).

Its energy production plants now cover the average electricity consumption of 30,000 people and are expected to reach the equivalent of the energy needs of a city like Lille or Strasbourg within the next 5 years.

Its work focuses on 3 strategic facets:
•    Actively participating in the energy transition in France and around the world
•    Support for the development of the Agricultural sector
•    Economic and environmental development at regional level

One of their greatest strengths has been without a doubt their robust 3-way partnership over the years and their success in tangibly implementing the values of innovation, commitment and impact so cherished by the EDHEC community.

With strong growth in revenue (€30 million in 2018 and a forecast of more than €50 million for 2019), the business has a presence in France, where it occupies second place on the market for large solar roof panels, ahead of EDF and Engie. It has also developed internationally since 2014, particularly in India, where the 3 partners teamed up with Manu Bishnoi (EDHEC 2013), whom they met at an event involving students and graduates on the EDHEC campus. There, Technique Solaire received an award as the best Franco-Indian SME in 2018: it is one of the few French businesses, and the only SME, to have built a land-based solar plant along with the major historic energy providers.

In November 2017, the Technique Solaire group saw participation from BPI France and Crédit Agricole in its capital, thus supporting and boosting its development. It has now raised close to €150 million in various forms to finance its growth and aims to invest 10 times that amount over the next 5 years.

Find out more: www.techniquesolaire.com