IMPACTFUL INITIATIVES
A renewable energy cluster to shape and drive the sector
After the emergence of pioneering companies in the renewable energy sector here thirty years ago, the Montpellier Métropole is now home to the headquarters of several major groups in their market, namely Enedis, Qair, EDF Renouvelables, Total Energies, and SLB. Stakeholders in this ecosystem, which represents more than 4,000 direct jobs in our area, have expressed the need to structure and unite the sector in order to meet the challenges of growth at both national and international levels. This is why Montpellier Métropole made the decision to set up a dedicated renewal energy cluster.
The creation of a renewable energy cluster is inspired by the collaborative method that Montpellier Métropole had established with stakeholders in the health, agri-food, and environmental sectors to jointly build MedVallée, a global excellence hub in global health. Located in the Halle de l’Innovation building, it will be organized around six working groups focused on three clearly defined themes: supporting training and skill development to meet the needs of businesses; enhancing Montpellier's attractiveness for talent and investors; and stimulating innovation to develop solutions that meet the challenges of climate change.
Jointly led by experts, the working groups will develop four to six concrete initiatives to be implemented from 2025. The second “Rencontres des EnR” (Renewable Energy Meetings) event was held in the spring of 2025, at which time the detailed project and name of the new cluster were presented.
Henera, an incubator devoted to renewable energies
Backed byBIC de Montpellier and its partners EDFandSLB, the Henera incubator supports innovative startups involved with low-carbon energies, from production and storage, to distribution, control, and more.
Selected projects benefit from a 9-month program provided free of charge by BIC, EDF, and SLB.
The class of 2024 includes five projects assisted by Henera, starting in June 2024:
- CO2 PULSE has developed a digital predictive decarbonization platform to reduce CO2 emissions in the supply chain.
- E-ETHYLÈNE designs electrolysis solutions to produce ethylene from industrial CO2 emissions.
- EVERWINDS has developed a digital platform to cost-effectively re-use equipment for all wind farms.
- CELEST.SCIENCE is developing a new generation of artificial intelligence to improve climate prediction, reduce exposure to climate risks, and help society adapt to climate change.
- HUMUShas designed a system for producing heat by composting biomass.
EnerGaïa, European renewable energy forum
For the past 17 years, the EnerGaïa Forum has been a major event for professionals in the renewable energy sector, offering real environmental solutions for territories, cities, and industries.
By hosting EnerGaïa, Montpellier Métropole underscores its commitment to the ecological transition and its desire to support innovation in the field of clean energy, while confirming its position as a major hub for green energy in France.
Montpellier Métropole’s ambitious solar plan leading up to 2050
Since 2020, Montpellier Métropole and the City of Montpellier have been committed to developing renewable energies with the aim of promoting energy efficiency and energy independence in the area.