“We see the progressive changes in Russia regarding ecology and energy efficiency”
French Tech met with Gonzague FLUTSCH, who is in charge of innovative businesses’ development in EDF’s office in Moscow. We talked about the energy and ecological transition and the recent contest for startups, the Digital SDG Accelerator “Clean Technology”.
What are the main activities of EDF in Russia and CIS countries?
EDF Representative office cooperates with leading energy companies in Russia and the CIS. We provide services, expertise and develop projects to support the energy transition and to achieve net zero energy future. We also have a subsidiary called Dalkia Rus, based in Moscow which is specialized in energy efficiency and environmental services for industrial companies like Renault/Avtovaz or Danone.
Wherever our Group operates, we want to invent a new energy model to address the climate crisis: lower-carbon, more efficient, less of an impact on the environment and on people.
Tell us more about the project «Clean technologies», what is it about?
The Digital SDG Accelerator is an accelerator program organized by our partner Evercity. The goal is to scout interesting innovative projects in Eurasia that can help achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). We sponsor the Cleantech track. The contest started at the end of 2020 and in February 2021 we will choose 2 projects. We participate in the accelerator together with our European Institute for Energy Research (EIFER) located in Germany. For the last fifteen years this Institute has been working on R&D projects for the support of the Energy Transition and the development of Smart and Sustainable Cities, Carbon Neutral Local Multi-Energy Systems and Hydrogen System. Together with experts from Eifer, we are looking for startups who have a prototype in areas such as:
- estimations of cities transport and people’s mobility;
- real time estimation or measurement of the GhG emissions;
- design and usage of energy and climate indicators to support concentration, raise awareness and support decision-making;
- tools for scenario assessment, including creation of Positive Energy Blocks and Districts, increase air quality, adapt to climate change.
In fact, we are very interested in digital tools that help to simulate urban environments. This direction is very important for us because we have developed the EDF City Platform, a program for 3D visualization of cities that simulate and optimize urban and energy systems. It is used worldwide by cities’ government and development companies. In Russia, this tool supports the development of a future innovative district of Moscow, Rublevo-Arkhangelskoye.
In the framework of the Digital SDG Accelerator, we would be very keen to launch pilot projects with the 2 winners of the Cleantech track.
- What can you say about ecology in Russia? It is a very hot topic in Europe today.
- I think it’s difficult to compare Russia with other countries. If we’re talking about sustainable development, it’s important to consider many factors: environmental and ecological factors, economy, quality of life in order to ensure local sustainable development. We see that people here are more and more involved and aware of ecological problems. What we have been witnessing for the past few years regarding the issue of waste management and recycling is a good example of the evolution of mentalities. We know many founders of Russian startups willing to improve the ecological situation in Russia. Changes also happen in the regulation and legal framework. No need to recall that Russia signed the Paris agreement on climate change.
- Is EDF going to invest in any of the chosen projects?
- It’s difficult to say — we’re in the selection phase — but this is a possibility. I guess that we would better test the solution with a joint pilot project first.
- Do you collaborate with accelerators in Russia? Any startups?
- Of course. We have been working closely with the Skolkovo Foundation since we signed with them a cooperation agreement in 2016. In 2020 we participated in Skolkovo’s GreenTech Startup Booster. We also know colleagues from GoTech, RVK, Frii, the Agency of Strategic Initiatives, Innopolis, Moscow Agency of Innovations… As for Russian startups, we are for instance now testing Carbon Space’s platform for air quality monitoring and forecast. We have before tested Russians batteries, smart grid equipment, blockchain solutions… The EDF Group organizes every year the contest called “EDF pulse” with startups from all over the world. Within the Moscow team, my colleague Ksenia SYRTSEVA is responsible for open innovation.
- Do you participate at French Tech initiative in Russia and France?
- We participated in the creation of the French Tech Moscow. We work closely with the French Tech in France and worldwide.
Originally published at FRENCH TECH MOSCOW.