Group
For nearly 40 years, the UNITe group has strived to combine energy needs and respect for the environment. UNITe is now one of the leading independent producers of carbon-free, local, sustainable and competitive electricity, with more than 60 production sites (hydroelectric, wind and photovoltaic). With its subsidiary GREEN-ACCESS, the group is also a leader in energy recovery, notably through the sale of Guarantees of Origin and the negotiation of contracts for the direct supply of renewable electricity to industrial consumers.
UNITe is an independent, agile, financially strong group, rooted in the territories, with recognized skills in the renewable energy sector. Led by Alexandre ALBANEL and Stéphane MAUREAU, the group is currently conducting a very sustained growth phase.
UNITe is one of the few French leaders in small-scale hydroelectricity, and one of the few companies still regularly building hydroelectric power stations in France. With very strong growth in photovoltaics, UNITe is one of the most promising players in this segment in France.
Our belief
It is possible to reconcile energy requirements with respect for the environment
We started with a conviction:
It is possible to combine growth in electricity demand with respect for the environment.
- The need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (70% of which result from our consumption of fossil fuels), in order to slow climate change, is a global imperative, for mankind today and for future generations.
- At the same time, the growth in the world’s population, the economic development of emerging countries and the gradual end of fossil fuels are inevitably leading to an increase in the need for electricity, despite the efforts of the countries that consume the most energy to be more sober.
The world is therefore faced with a twofold challenge: to satisfy the growing need for electricity, while at the same time combating global warming.
Our mission:
To unify energy requirements with respect for the environment, UNITe is dedicated to producing & promoting local & sustainable electricity.
Our market
With this in mind, the development of renewable energies has been impressive over the last 10 years and this is only the beginning. The International Energy Agency states that “by 2025, 90% of the new electricity production capacities worldwide will involve renewable energies, meaning that, by 2025, renewable energies should be the main source of electricity production globally, ahead of coal”. In conjunction with hydropower and wind power, photovoltaics will undoubtedly play a major role since the continued cost savings mean that it should be the most competitive option in many areas.
In France, the ambition to develop RENs is reflected in the so-called MEP (Multiannual Energy Plan) framework law which sets out France’s energy path for the next 10 years. In particular, this legislation provides for increasing the share of renewable energies to 33% in 2030, a goal which will require doubling the installed capacities between now and then.
As regards the 3 energies that UNITe works with, the main figures in the MEP for the 2023 and 2028 stages are as follows:
Situation en septembre 2020
(GW)
Objectifs 2028
(GW)
Rythme prévu pour les appels d’offres
(GW/an)
25,700
26,000
0,035
Éolien terrestre
17,000
35,000
1,000
10,200
35,000
2,900
Totaux
53
96
3,9
Our strengths
Against this backdrop, the UNITe group is embarking on a new development dynamic, both in France and internationally. UNITe has strong assets for growth in a market that has become ultra-competitive and will continue to change scale, while retaining its DNA as an agile company:
- 40 years’ operational experience in renewable energies,
- expertise in 3 renewable electricity sectors (hydroelectricity, wind power and photovoltaics),
- expertise across the entire value chain: development, financing, construction, operation-maintenance and energy recovery,
- a strong local presence, with people and plants in more than 50 towns and cities across France,
- a clear strategy for sustained growth, with over 2.5GW of projects in its portfolio and a long-term vision,
- the agility of a dynamic group on a human scale, led by a committed shareholder management team,
- a solid shareholder base, including management and the ARDIAN investment fund, a long-term partner, to support UNITe’s strong growth, while allowing management to steer the company with agility,
- teams who share the same values and are committed to a meaningful business.
Our values
UNITe drives its growth with processes and values that are focused on the long term.
Agility
Agility is needed to keep up with a rapidly changing market and technologies. This is the key to remaining competitive against large groups. Agility also enables us to adapt to the expectations of local stakeholders for successful projects with regional roots.
Sustainability
Our technical, environmental, economic and human choices are based on our desire to combine the economic sustainability of the company with that of the environment. Our expertise ensures the industrial reliability and long-term operability of our power plants.
Independence
As a group led by a management shareholder, we are free to make our own choices and actions. Every day, we contribute to the country’s energy independence.
Proximity
Proximity is the basis of our local integration, to produce local electricity with, and for, the people of a region. Proximity is also the key to the efficient operation of our plants.
Reliability
Reliability of machines and quality processes to ensure the production of safe and competitive electricity. Reliability of people in the trust granted, whose constant concern is fulfilling their commitments, for long-lasting partnerships.
Nearly 40 years of
experience
Expertise in 3
renewable energies
60
passionate employees
Established in over 50
municipalities
+ 120 MW
installed
350 GWh
of electricity produced per year
5
business areas throughout the value chain
+1,5 GW
projet in development
Our business areas
DEVELOPMENT
FUNDING
Construction
OPERATION
RECOVERY
Our power generation plants
The UNITe group builds and operates nearly 70 sites for the production of local and sustainable electricity, ten of which are entrusted to UNITe by third parties.
The current park consists of:
47
hydroelectric plants
5
wind farms
16
photovoltaic power plants
Our financial shareholder
ARDIAN invests in renewable energy producer UNITe.