Energy Community Challenge

The ways energy is produced, distributed and consumed are changing very quickly. For decades, energy systems in general and electrical systems specifically were centrally organized: large, very powerful production units supplied a distribution network, which in turn fed a denser distribution network leading to consumers. Production and consumption were controlled by a very small number of stakeholders.

The advent of multiple small-scale, locally situated production sites (generating energy from wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, biogas, etc.) combined with energy storage technologies (batteries, hydrogen), sensors and big data are turning consumers into producers.

The network and the relevant stakeholders now have to adapt to these changes while meeting the same overall objective: to produce enough energy to meet the needs of every consumer at all times. The "flattening" of the electrical network makes it more difficult to control how the elements of the system interact, a problem further accentuated by the fact that renewable energies are produce intermittently.

How should we choose the right energy production sources and properly size the energy communities they serve?

How can we combine centralized generation with decentralized generation?

To what extent should micro-grids be interconnected?

ENGIE is looking for new projects to

• better manage energy
• develop smart networks
• bring prosumers together in production communities
• guarantee the reliability, efficiency and security of the system.

Advanced technology is crucial to achieving this: IOT, artificial intelligence, big data, cybersecurity, technologies for tracking the speed and traceability of transactions, micropayments, etc.

Deadline for applications: 31/03/2017

Why participate?

Thousands of executives, investors, academics and thought leaders from around the world will meet at Viva Technlology: it will be a unique opportunity to highlight your innovations and give them greater visibility.

Promote your company among the ENGIE executives who will be involved in selecting the startups who participate

Participation is free. The ENGIE Group will provide winning projects with exhibit space at its ENERGY Lab at Viva Technology as well as internet access and electricity.

Rewards and benefits if your project is selected:

• A booth in ENGIE’s space at Viva Technology on June 15-17 2017 (45,000 visitors in 2016)
• The opportunity to pitch your project for experts from ENGIE’s operational subsidiaries and/or ENGIE executives
• The possibility of collaborating on operational projects if a business unit accepts your proposal
• The possibility of being contacted by the ENGIE New Ventures investment fund

Eligibility and Selection criteria:

• Innovative nature of the proposed solution
• Feasibility
• Time to market
• Environmental bonus
• Ability to present your project as a model/ realization during Viva Technology

Provisional timetable:

• March 31st, 2017: Deadline for submitting applications
• May, 15th, 2017: Announcement of nominees
• June 15-17, 2017: Marketplace and meeting with ENGIE experts during Viva Technology

More about Viva Technology

Viva Technology is a hub for the world's innovators, tech-lovers and pioneers of the future. VivaTech wants to be the place where big companies and startups work together on innovations that can transform businesses. In 2016, the first edition saw 45,000 attendees from around the world, 5,000 startups and 600 speakers.
ENGIE will host a 400 square meter Energy Lab where around 30 startups will be invited to present their projects and pitch their solutions.

ENGIE puts responsible growth at the heart of its businesses (electricity, natural gas, energy services) to address the major challenges of energy transition to a low carbon economy. The Group supports these changes by putting innovation at the heart of its strategy. www.engie.com