Omnes Capital and Fonroche Géothermie have signed a partnership agreement concerning the development, construction and operation of deep geothermal energy generation projects in France.
Since 2010, Fonroche Géothermie has developed a fully integrated approach and ambitious industrial plans for developing geothermal energy projects in France. This strategy is supported by a team of specialists in geoscience, drilling and surface mining.
Geothermal energy is a natural and competitive renewable energy source that can supply electricity and heating locally 365 days a year.
Having obtained seven exclusive operation permits in France, Fonroche Géothermie is planning to invest more than €400 million in the geothermal energy market between now and 2025, resulting in the creation of over 500 jobs.
Omnes Capital is a frontrunner in the field of renewable energy, having launched its first Capenergie fund in 2006. Since then, it has realized more than 30 investments in France and Europe in wind, solar, hydroelectricity and district heating projects from renewable sources like geothermal and biomass energy, representing over 1,500 MW of installed capacity, the equivalent to two nuclear reactors.
Capenergie 3, Omnes Capital’s most recent renewable energy fund, is the first fund to benefit from the support of the “Juncker” European investment plan via the participation of the European Investment Bank. Its strategy consists of developing green energy generation capacity based on mature technologies in France and Europe in partnership with SMEs.
Yann Maus, Chairman of Fonroche, comments : “Fonroche is very pleased with this partnerhsip agreement and we are delighted to be able to count on the support of a major investment group like Omnes Capital, which has demonstrated a highly responsive approach in successfully formalizing this agreement. Deep geothermal energy is a credible and effective energy transition solution that benefits from real know-how in France. The partnership with Omnes Capital will enable Fonroche Géothermie to continue with its development, offering innovative and ambitious energy solutions in order to participate in the emergence of a true geothermal industry in France.”
Serge Savasta, Managing Director at Omnes Capital, adds : “We are very happy to be working with Fonroche in geothermal energy. This partnership agreement follows on from the joint successes already achieved in the solar energy sector, which have demonstrated the entrepreneurial thinking and expertise of Yann Maus and his team. The strategy of the Capenergie funds over the last 10 years has consisted of developing green energy generation capacity with SMEs in France and Europe. Our partnership with Fonroche Géothermie therefore fits in perfectly with this dynamic.”
Participants
Serge Savasta, Managing Director at Omnes Capital
Michael Pollan, Director at Omnes Capital
Yann Maus, Chairman and Founder of Fonroche
Jean-Philippe Soulé, Director of Fonroche Géothermie
About Omnes Capital
Omnes Capital is a major private equity and infrastructure investment player. With €2.1 billion under management, Omnes Capital provides businesses with equity financing to develop their key areas of expertise: buyout and growth capital, private debt, venture capital, renewable energy, co-investment, secondary funds-of-funds. Omnes Capital was previously a subsidiary of Crédit Agricole S.A. until March 2012. The company is now owned by its employees. Omnes Capital is a signatory to the United Nations’ Responsible Investment Principles. www-rec.omnescapital.com
About Fonroche
Fonroche is a leading name in renewable energies. On the strength of its success in its original business line of photovoltaic electricity and drawing on the same convictions, the Fonroche group has diversified its activities by creating subsidiaries specialising in standalone solar lighting, biogas and deep geothermal energy. Based in the Lot-et-Garonne region in south-eastern France, Fonroche offers companies and local authorities integrated project management in each of its business lines, from manufacturing to installation and from operation to maintenance. With 200 employees, Fonroche exports its technology worldwide and develops renewable energy projects in around 10 countries. www.fonroche.fr
Press contacts
Omnes Capital
Gaëlle de Montoussé, gaelle.demontousse@www-rec.omnescapital.com – +33 1 80 48 79 16
Shan
Caroline Babouillard, caroline.babouillard@shan.fr – +33 1 44 50 58 72
Fonroche Energie
Hélène BIGEY, h.bigey@fonroche.fr – +33 5 40 40 90 15