Relaunch, energy… What’s at stake

On 3 September 2020, the post-COVID recovery plan is announced by the Government, including for the energy sector (1). In fact, EUR 100 billion is earmarked for the transformation of the economy and the creation of new jobs. Following three key points, the recovery plan will be based on ecology, cohesion and competitiveness. Companies, motivated by a gradual recovery of global business, are nevertheless experiencing some slowdowns that are still present. The implementation of support for companies is therefore essential. This allows the recovery plan to be optimal at all levels.

Relaunching the business with energy control

By launching its call for projects in early 2020 on the Smart City, Bordeaux Technowest supports start-ups and innovative projects (2). Since the beginning of September, the structure has been encouraging companies in theAerospace,Space and Defence sectors (3) to propose their projects. By presenting an innovation or a project, participating companies try to gain personalized support. The latter, to start, develop and/or finance an activity. Thus, Bordeaux Technowest aims to foster innovation by being part of a dynamic of recovery.

In order to revive the activity through energy, however, it is necessary to take into account the control of these. After containment and partial shutdown, the financial aspect can be a hindrance to good resource management. Thus, for companies with innovative projects and/or respectful of sustainable development, there are different financing aids. Thus, the Eco-Energy Loan (EEP) helps finance the improvement of energy efficiency and thus support micro-enterprises, TPEs and SMEs over 3 years old and financially stable (4). In addition, the Energy Saving Certificates (EEC) scheme aims to encourage energy sellers to save energy in a sustainable development approach (5). In this way, these aids will help manage energy resources and move towards ecological transition.

The challenges of an eco-responsible recovery

Businesses are important players in the ecological transition process. As early as 2012, companies were made aware of eco-responsibility. In fact, 93% of SMEs had taken measures to optimize their use of resources, such as the use of materials from recycling. However, only 28% mentioned respect for the environment in their priorities (6).

The ecological transition is becoming more and more significant in the draft laws. Companies are reducing their carbon footprint while creating new strategies based on a “green” activity. Thus, by optimizing their resources and becoming eco-responsible, this creates a competitive advantage in their market by improving their brand image. According to a survey conducted by The National Marketing Institute, consumers are willing to spend 20% more of their budget on eco-friendly services or products (7). Businesses therefore have a strong interest in following this logic.

Of the EUR 100 billion earmarked for the Recovery Plan, EUR 30 billion is earmarked for the implementation of the ecological transition (1). Indeed, the various points of the ecological component concern in particular the modernisation of sorting centres, the recovery of recyclable waste but also the production of energy from recycled solid fuels (8). In addition, it also provides aid for the decarbonisation of industry, as industrial CO2 emissions account for 20% of greenhouse gas emissions in France (9). The aim is to support the most emitting sites in order to quickly and efficiently reduce their emissions. A whole program focused on ecology to strive towards the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. More than a step, it would be high time to take the plunge…

Sources:

1 – Economy.gouv: Presentation of the Recovery Plan (03/09/2020)

2 – https://technowest.com/services/

Bpifrance: Innovation as a vehicle for growth? It’s proven! (18/10/2019)

3 – Bordeaux Technowest: The call for space aeronautics defence projects in Bordeaux Technowest (08/09/2020)

4 – Economie.gouv.fr: Business aid to promote their ecological transition (modified on 27/08/2020)

5 – Ministry of Ecological Transition: Energy Saving Certificates (26/28/2020)

6 – Ademe Enterprise: Key figures (2016)

7 – Staples: 6 benefits of ecology for your business

8 – Economy.gouv: Modernization of waste sorting, recycling and recycling centres (September 2020)

9 – Economy.gov: Decarbonisation of industry (September 2020)

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