Solarplaza Summit | France

Joshua Margulies is a Project Leader at Aurora Energy Research in France, where he leads the Advisory Team. He advises utilities, developers, equity and debt investors investing in or financing renewables and battery projects in France and Europe. Joshua holds two masters degrees from the London School of Economics and the University of Oxford.

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Corentin graduated in engineering at an engineering school in Paris (Ponts et Chaussées) and studied his master in sustainable energies at the Imperial College in London. Corentin has joined Clean Horizon in 2016 and is now partner, he is heading market analysis activities. As such, he acts as project manager on key market analysis projects as well as price forecasts efforts of the company. Additionally, Corentin is the commercial director of Clean Horizon.

With over 10 years of experience in energy purchasing, Lydia started at GEODIS (SNCF group) before joining the Iliad group, where she structured the energy purchasing function and supports the group's energy transition. Lydia holds a master's degree in purchasing, supplemented by training at SNCF Énergie.

Hervé Bouillard is the Head of France at NovaSource Power Services, the global leader in utility-scale solar O&M and energy storage. Since entering the solar industry in 2008 and managing off-grid telecom sites across Africa powered by solar and battery systems, he has amassed over 15 years of expertise in after-sales services and operations & maintenance of commercial, industrial, and utility-scale solar assets across France, Germany, and Australia. In 2020, Hervé became a founding member of NovaSource following the spin-off from SunPower and currently leads all commercial and operational activities for the company in France. Hervé holds an engineering degree from Fachhochschule Konstanz (Germany) and is completing an Executive MBA at EM Lyon Business School. He applies a strategic, international mindset to maximizing the performance and longevity of renewable energy installations with total asset optimization strategies and is dedicated to advancing clean-energy solutions on a global scale.

Co-founder of Eclipse, responsible for Trading activities. Formerly in charge of optimizing EDF's assets (80GW) on short-term markets (Day-Ahead, Intraday, FCR, aFRR), before becoming a trader on these same markets. Trading mandate in all European countries with a focus on France, Germany and UK/Continent interconnection trading.

With a doctorate in law and a degree in economics, Sylvain Roussel has been with France renouvelables (formerly France Energie Eolienne) for nearly 4 years. In areas of expertise such as employment and training, he handles all external relations for the organization.

Florian Le Bouler is an Activity Manager at OMEXOM Conversion & Storage, a company specialized in the design, construction, and operation of energy storage systems as an EPC contractor. He is responsible for overseeing the construction of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and managing the operational monitoring of systems in operation. With over 10 years of experience in the energy storage sector, Florian has led the construction of a wide range of storage projects across different typologies and technical setups. His expertise includes the delivery of both hybrid and stand-alone projects, with capacities ranging from 2 MWh to over 100 MWh, implemented in diverse geographic contexts such as non-interconnected zones (ZNI), mainland France, and other European locations. This broad experience has given him a comprehensive understanding of the operational challenges specific to energy storage projects.

Michael Tobelem, Founding Partner at Tevali Partners, brings over 15 years of deep expertise to the energy infrastructure industry. His extensive experience includes structuring complex transactions, optimizing capital structures, and advising clients on strategic M&A deals. His work consistently drives value creation across a wide range of energy and infrastructure projects. Michael holds an MSc from École des Ponts ParisTech.

Ismaël Tougui is Investment Director at Octopus Energy Generation. With 15 years of experience in infrastructure finance, including 12 in renewables, he leads a pan-European team investing across solar, wind, and battery storage. In France, he targets 1 GW installed within 18 months. He has led major transactions with OX2, BayWa, Triangle, Q Energy, and Enertrag. An ESSEC graduate, he brings financial expertise, strategic vision, and deep operational insight into Europe’s energy markets.

After completing his International Civil Engineering degree, Franz Krug began his career in the Business Development department of a major construction industry supplier. In early 2018, he joined the ZIMMERMANN PV-Steel Group, initially focusing on ground-mounted structures. By the end of that year, he had taken on the role of Technical Project Manager for floating PV projects at ZIMMERMANN. Since 2020, he has also played a pivotal role in developing and introducing the company’s innovative agri PV systems to the market. He now leads the project management team for PV-Fixed Tilt, PV-Agri and PV-Floating solutions, and is responsible for product strategy and development in his role as product manager.

Nicolas has 6 years of experience in energy industry. He joined Pexapark in 2025 as a Lead Analyst in the Editorial & Analysis team, collecting market intelligence on European markets. In his previous roles at TotalEnergies, he worked as financial advisor for the Offshore Wind team, structuring and financing renewable assets, closing M&A deals across Asia & Europe and preparing tenders. He also worked in hydrogen, LNG and batteries throughout his career. Nicolas holds a MSc in Chemical Engineering from the National Institute of Applied Sciences in Toulouse (INSA) and an MSc in Energy Economics from the French Institute of Petroleum & New Energies in Paris (IFP).

An engineer by training, Gilles Bouhyer joined Alpiq France in 2007 and has since held several key management positions across a wide range of business lines within the B2B energy supply sector. Appointed Deputy Managing Director in 2018, he currently oversees the company’s procurement activities whether from producers, the market, or through regulatory mechanisms as well as the development of innovative products and services focused on energy supply, decarbonization, flexibility management, and digital solutions.

Gema Clemente Lafuente is a renewable energy expert with over 10 years of experience in the field and a significant international track record. She joined Q ENERGY France in 2019 and currently serves as Head of Markets and PPAs. With its in-depth knowledge of the energy and renewable energy markets, Gema brings valuable strategic insight to the market launch of Q ENERGY's projects. Q ENERGY develops, builds, and operates photovoltaic, wind, battery, and hydrogen assets across France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, and Italy.

Fabian Eiglier joined Helexia in 2024 and is in charge of the financing and investment activities of the company. He graduated from Skema Business School and has over 10 years of experience in the renewable energy sector, having worked for several IPPs such as Neoen where he has led several financing and investment operations both in France and abroad.

With a degree in forestry engineering, Emilien has over 15 years of experience in climate-tech and renewables industries. He has been active in the field of agrivoltaics since 2015, he has contributed to bringing several sites to operation as well as collaborating on entrepreneurial projects across Europe, LATAM y APAC. Emilien joined Lightsource bp in 2023 as Head of Agrivoltaics EMEA and leads the activities of the company to further progress the integration of agricultural initiatives alongside energy production.

Julie Tholliez has been Director of Energy and Environmental Transition Financing at Crédit Agricole CIB since 2017. She has extensive expertise in financing sustainable infrastructure projects, particularly in the renewable energy and self-consumption sectors. Her role involves supporting companies in structuring innovative financial solutions to support their energy transition.

Benjamin Thibault is a renewable energy expert with over 15 years of experience in the sector. He currently holds the position of Vice President of Renewables Western Europe at Uniper, a leading international energy company. Uniper is committed to expanding its renewable energy portfolios in Europe, with a focus on Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Sweden, Hungary and Poland, with the aim of developing up to 10 gigawatts of ready-to-build capacity by 2030. In his role, Benjamin is responsible for implementing a transformative strategy in France, Italy and the UK. Before joining Uniper, Benjamin worked for the Finish state-owned energy company Fortum where he held several roles, in particular heading their French office and participating in the growth of the company in the wind and Hydro sectors. Benjamin holds a master's degree in Business from HEC Paris, a Master’s degree of political Sciences from Sciences Po Paris and An Executive MBA from Trium a joint LSE/NYU/HEC program. He is based in Paris, France, and speaks fluent French, English, and conversational Spanish.

Mélodie de l'Epine has 25 years of experience in the PV sector in France, and was PV pole coordinator at Hespul for 15 years. She participated in various working groups with institutions such as EDF, Enedis, CRE and the French government, focusing on topics such as connection procedures and support mechanisms. Today, as Head of Research & Innovation at Institut Becquerel France, she develops innovation projects in the photovoltaic field and assists customers and international organizations in understanding photovoltaic markets and strategies. She is co-manager and French representative of Task 1 (Market and Public Policy) IEA PVPS.

Hermine Durand is the deputy director of the electrical system and renewable energies within the Directorate General for Energy and Climate. A mining engineer, graduate of ENS and Sciences Po, she previously served as head of the Bordeaux division of the Nuclear Safety Authority (2016-2020), head of the office for hydraulic and marine renewable energies within the Ministry of Energy Transition (2020-2022), and then deputy director, whom she replaced at the end of 2023.

With over a decade of experience in the solar industry, Anthony Querffurus, Senior Sales Manager at meteocontrol, specializes in cloud-based monitoring and power control solutions for renewable energy systems. He focuses on supporting clients across France and the Benelux in optimizing the performance and reliability of their PV portfolios. Passionate about clean tech and innovation, he works closely with technical and commercial teams to deliver tailored solutions that empower the energy transition.

With a background in chemistry, philology, and an MBA, Claudia Cruz joined RatedPower's business development team two years ago. As leader of client satisfaction in the French market, she focuses on driving success for francophone clients. With deep understanding in the European solar and storage market, Claudia is dedicated to helping companies across francophone Europe leverage Enverus's solutions to enhance their operations and growth.

Xavier DEGON is the Head of TotalEnergies Trading Origination for France. He develops power trading solutions to optimize the value of renewable energies, batteries, and other assets that contribute to the energy transition. With over 15 years of experience in energy markets in France and Europe, Xavier has worked extensively on the energy transition. In 2012, he completed the first world tour with an electric car.

After a degree at the business school, ESSCA Pierre Guerrier started his career in the sale of technical solutions for the building sector. He became marketing manager, sales national director and general manager, and decided to jump into the PV sector when nascent in 2009. Starting as Head of Development at Sun’R an innovative IPP pioneer in agrivoltaics, then Director of Development at Sonnedix. Pierre is now Director General at SOLVEO Energies. He also is administrator of Enerplan (French solar syndicate) and convenor of the La Plateforme Verte work group dedicated to agrivoltaics.

A visionary of the energy transition, Mathieu Cambet has evolved from an expert in centralized, carbon-based energy production to local, solar, and low-carbon solutions. As co-founder of Reservoir Sun in 2018, he disrupted the solar market through self-consumption. Since 2023, as Deputy CEO of GreenYellow France, he has been leading the largest C&I solar portfolio, thereby contributing to the European expansion of energy offerings.

Julien Lupion joined Bpifrance in 2018 and is responsible for financing renewable energy projects. He has more than 10 years of experience in the energy sector with an in-depth knowledge of the French market where he is regularly involved as an arranger in significant financing transactions. Bpifrance is a major bank in the financing of renewable energy projects alongside its banking partners, and has been active in all sectors of this market for nearly twenty years. Bpifrance is also in charge of the bank guarantee “Garantie Électricité Renouvelable” to encourage the conclusion of Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (“CPPA”) with industrial consumers.

With a solid reputation in asset and project finance transactions acting for major Banks and Financial institutions, Sylvie assists many Financial Advisers and internationally based companies in organizing the most efficient debt structuring for various types of projects. She is recognized in the setting up of complex, innovative asset and project finance deals. Over her long experience, she has acted for various actors on both domestic and cross-border transactions as well as in the structuring of off-balance sheet transactions in relation to the leasing of assets and financing various investments, especially in the energy and transportation sectors. In 2017, she created La Plateforme Verte, a do-tank aimed at facilitating the dialogue between developers, funders and regulation actors in order to encourage the energy transition with capital and loans.

Alexandre has worked in the energy industry for over 15 years’ and is already well-connected in the renewable energy market, with developers, IPPs, investors and lenders alike, as well as with large offtakers. Alexandre holds a PhD in Finance and Law at Goethe University Frankfurt / Université Paris Dauphine.

Dominique Jamme has been the Director of the French Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) since December 18, 2018. He has held various positions within CRE since 2001, including Director of Networks and later Special Advisor to the President from May 2017 onward. In this role, he established the CRE’s Foresight Committee. A graduate of École Polytechnique (Class of '83) and the École Nationale Supérieure des Techniques Avancées (Class of '89), Dominique Jamme began his career at Giat Industries (1990-1993), followed by a tenure at the General Directorate for Armament (1993-1996). He then joined the Ministry of Industry (1996-2000) as Head of the Industrial Conversion Department, where he was responsible for defense sector restructuring.

Christoph Gardlo is the Co-Founder and COO of ESFORIN (Energy Services for Industry). The company’s core business is algorithm trading in intraday markets with clients’ flexibilities – helping companies to optimize energy costs and reduce significant amounts of CO2. Before becoming an independent energy entrepreneur, Christoph gained profound experience in the energy markets in various companies. In the 2000s he joined E.ON with focus on Marketing, later becoming Account Manager Power Station Sales. In 2010 he was Head of Gas Sales Germany at Cargill, then Head of Key Accounts Portfolioservices & International Sales at natGAS AG, before he became COO and Co-Founder of ESFORIN.

Former lawyer specialized in project financing, Alexia is now a renowned Futures Facilitator. Combining futures literacy, mindset coaching, and facilitation, she dedicates herself to supporting visionary decision-makers eager to develop a resilient and adaptable mindset capable of facing tomorrow's challenges. She creates collective intelligence spaces - expert panels and confidential mastermind groups - where impact, engagement, and integrity are at the heart of discussions. She also shares her knowledge at ESSEC (iMagination Center and Ignite your Creativity courses) and at the Integrity Center.

Mathieu Lassagne is CEO of ZE Energy. He has an excellent knowledge of the energy markets and their financing and has over 15 years of experience in the energy sector. He was previously Deputy Managing Director of Solairedirect, in charge of general services, operations and maintenance of production sites. Previously, he was responsible for large acquisition and investment projects within the M&A department of the Engie/ GDF SUEZ Group (May 2010 to September 2015), after having been in charge of acquisition and investment projects for the branches (E&P, distribution, trading ...) between 2008 and 2010 and of the strategic and financial planning of the group between 2006 and 2008. He previously worked for the EDF Group in the Optimisation and Trading and BtoC Marketing activities between 2000 and 2006.

Marceau joined Enerparc AG in Hamburg in 2013 in the international Business Development team. In 2019, he moved back to France to open Enerparc Solaire, the French entity of the Enerparc group to develop, build, finance and operate ground-mounted PV and AgriPV projects. With > 4 GWp of own assets and 500+ colleagues, Enerparc AG is an international PV expert active on the entire value chain, from project development and EPC to O&M and portfolio management.

Théo Barallon is co-heading the Paris team at Finergreen. After graduating from Insa Lyon and from HEC Entrepreneurs, Théo worked for CACIB in the Project Finance team and then in Singapore for the french Urgo group as international business developer. In 2015, he joined Finergreen in Paris to develop the company at its very beginnings alongside Damien Ricordeau and Louis Catala. Théo has been leading the french operations for the past 6 years, growing the team and the business. Finergreen is active worldwide as a specialized investment boutique to advise on debt & equity transactions in the fields of the energy transition.

Pierre Renault is a Research Director at INRAE. He contributes to coordinating research that links soil and water quality to their uses, as well as to discussions around health ecology, the agroecological transition, and the decarbonization of energy production. In particular, he supports work on the connections between electrical infrastructure (wind turbines and high-voltage power lines) and livestock health, as well as the development of activities related to Agrivoltaics.

Véronique Le Floc’h is an organic livestock farmer and has been President of Coordination Rurale since December 2022. Trained as an agricultural engineer, she began her career in research and then worked in the banking sector, before moving in 2007 to a 180‑hectare farm in Brittany to raise dairy cows. She advocates an agrivoltaics approach centered on farmers’ needs, ensuring that solar projects respect the land’s food‑producing purpose and enhance farm autonomy.

Shirley Chojnacki is a Senior Investment Director and Head of the Energy sector within BRIDGE, the infrastructure debt platform at Edmond de Rothschild Asset Management. She plays a key role in financing energy transition projects, particularly in solar, wind, biomass, and biogas. Strongly committed to ESG integration, she has contributed to initiatives such as the Avoided Emissions Framework (AEP), which aims to harmonize the evaluation of climate solutions’ impact. A graduate of the London School of Economics, Shirley is recognized for her expertise in structuring sustainable finance and her commitment to a low-carbon economy

Maxime has been a JA member since 2013, and was successively JA45 president, regional RGA manager and national administrator. Maxime is heavily involved in the definition and implementation of ZAN, agrivoltaics and the Sempastous scheme. Maxime is involved in land, ENR and SNBC issues. He joined the national JA board in 2024. He has been a local politician since 2014, and is also president of an inter-community tourist office. In 2025, Maxime was elected President of the Centre-Val de Loire Regional Chamber of Agriculture, and a member of the national board of Chambres d'agriculture France, where he is vice-president of the business and economy commission, with responsibility for setting up.