At ENGIE R&I, innovation is not just about technology—it’s about mindset. By embracing constraints and responding with agility, we transform challenges into opportunities.
In times of disruption, innovation reveals its true power—not only as a tool for resilience but as a catalyst for creativity and opportunity. At ENGIE, this mindset is embodied by leaders who view constraints as springboards for transformation.
InnoEnergy: How can innovation become a lever for opportunity and creativity in a crisis?
Crises often bring constraints: market uncertainty, misaligned stakeholders, and supplychain disruptions. Innovation helps us rethink how we operate, enabling us to bypass obstacles or tackle them head-on with unconventional solutions. It's about designing new pathways to deliver value across the supply and value chains.
InnoEnergy: Can you share concrete exemples where crisis stimulated innovation at ENGIE?
One example is Onset Energy a digital platform designed to accelerate the green hydrogen market kickoff by providing a blend of low-carbon fuels for the shipping and logistics service providers. Green hydrogen, while promising, faces a "chicken-and-egg" dilemma: stakeholders are interested but still reluctant due to a lack of competitiveness. Onset Energy offers a flexible business model that allows clients to commit to a mix of low-carbon fuels, reducing risk while supporting green hydrogen adoption.
Another case is Verta BioEnergy in the Philippines, where the urgency to decarbonize oil-fired energy led to a creative solution. Biomass was scarce, but the country had abundant chicken farming. ENGIE’s venture studio in Singapore launched a startup that transforms chicken manure into solid biomass compatible with existing boilers. This innovation turned agricultural waste into a viable energy source, demonstrating how local constraints can inspire breakthrough circular solutions.
InnoEnergy: What are the key ingredients for fostering an agile and creative innovation culture during uncertainty?
In uncertain times, long-term investments in research become unreliable. Success lies in focusing on immediate business needs and growth opportunities that are within reach of operational teams. Innovation must be grounded in addressing real problems and needs. Timeboxing is also essential—starting from a clear need and delivering solutions quickly to seize opportunities and maintain market momentum.
Whether through new business models or resourceful use of local materials, the company demonstrates that creativity flourishes when guided by purpose and urgency. In times of crisis, innovation becomes not only a lever for survival but a driver of meaningful change and growth.
