Why Choose Bourgogne Franche-Comté for Your Business?

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté stands as the bedrock of the French industrial landscape, and currently, it plays a vital role in the energy sector. The region's focal points include engineering and manufacturing of equipment for conventional energies, encompassing fossil fuels and nuclear, alongside renewable energies such as photovoltaic, hydropower, and wind. Moreover, it takes a pioneering lead in wood-based energy and actively explores the utilization of hydrogen as an energy storage medium.

Enriched with an exceptional natural heritage, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté is intrinsically committed to environmental preservation and the energy transition. Its aim is to transform into an Energy Positive territory by 2050.

Key Statistics:

- Leading region for energy production equipment manufacturing.
- General Electric, with 20% of the world's steam and gas turbines, manufactures in BFC.
- Home to a dedicated nuclear competitiveness cluster.
- Hosts energy and wind energy clusters.
- Recognized as a hydrogen-labeled territory.

Growth Hubs for Renewable Energy Enterprises in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

In its unwavering pursuit of continuous improvement and the proliferation of key players in the realm of ecological transition, Bourgogne Franche-Comté proudly accommodates various partners, competitiveness clusters, and associations. Among these, the Vallée de l'Énergie Cluster stands out. Nestled within a vibrant, bustling environment, the Vallée de l'Énergie brings together the cornerstones of its ecosystem, amplifying synergies and serving as a strategic bridge dedicated to energy sector enterprises, research laboratories, and academic institutions. It boasts 50 companies, generating 1,400 direct jobs and contributing to the creation of 35,000 indirect jobs. The Nuclear Valley Cluster is a unique competitiveness cluster in France exclusively devoted to civil nuclear energy, duly recognized by the French government. Nuclear Valley catalyzes innovative and competitive solutions for the civil nuclear industry by harnessing all available resources, spanning industrial, institutional, academic, and scientific entities within the region. With a proud membership of 270 entities, the cluster has successfully established itself as a formidable force. Lastly, Wind for Future Cluster (W4F) is an amalgamation of wind energy companies, equipped with competencies extending from research to maintenance and operations.

BFC prides itself on hosting an array of cutting-edge research and development facilities. It houses the Femto-St Institute, renowned as one of the largest research laboratories in partnership with CNRS. Furthermore, the Lispen laboratory on the Arts et Métiers campus in Cluny and the ICB laboratory specializing in metallurgical processes, sustainability, and materials collectively contribute to the region's rich research landscape.

BFC is dedicated to nurturing the professionals of tomorrow in the realm of renewable energies

 At the forefront of renewable energies, the Bourgogne Franche-Comté region possesses a world-class university network, providing invaluable support for the growth of entrepreneurs operating in the fields of wind, photovoltaic, and energy storage.

Renowned educational institutions in the domain of renewable energies include the University of Franche-Comté, offering comprehensive programs from DUT to Master's level. This covers a Master's program in Hydrogen-Energy and Energy Efficiency Engineering, paving the way for a promising future. The ENSMM in Besançon, specializing in generalist engineering with a focus on mechanics and microtechnology, and ESIREM in Dijon, a school dedicated to materials engineering, provide diverse educational options. The Lycée Louis Aragon in Héricourt rounds off the list, serving as a hub for energy and sustainable development programs, including vocational qualifications, BTS, and apprenticeships.

Companies in the energy sector have made their home in Bourgogne Franche-Comté

With nearly 200 enterprises and over 1,400 employees finding a conducive environment for their energy-related endeavors, the region is proud to host two global industrial leaders, General Electric and Framatome, along with various others in conventional and nuclear energies, hydrogen, and wind and photovoltaic sectors, creating a flourishing ecosystem for renewable energy businesses.