Cleantech seduces investors in France
French private equity is mobilizing in favor of the ecological transition. Investments in eco-responsible companies have reached a record of more than 3.4 billion euros in 2022, according to a study published Thursday by France Invest, in partnership with EY and GreenUnivers. Mobility and renewable energies have attracted particular attention from investors, who see strong growth potential in these sectors.
| Sectors | Solar Energy, Mobility, Photovoltaic, EV Charging Infrastructure |
|---|---|
| Themes | Investments & Transactions, Project Development, Financing |
| Companies | Voltalia |
| Countries | France |
A study published Thursday reveals that investments in unlisted private companies operating in the environmental and energy transition field reached a new peak in 2022 in France, with more than €3.4 billion invested. The report, entitled “Cleantech”, was produced by France Invest in partnership with the consulting firm EY and the specialized media GreenUnivers.
France Invest’s objectives for cleantech in 2030 will be revised upwards
123 financing operations were carried out in the ecological transition sector in France, for a total amount of more than 3.4 billion euros, by private equity players. According to the report, the amounts invested in cleantech in France increased by 50% in 2022 compared to 2021, and represent a near tripling compared to 2020.
The report also notes that the number of operations has remained stable. This has prompted Sophie Paturle, chair of France Invest’s Ecological Transition Commission, to state that France Invest’s objectives for cleantech in 2030 will be revised upwards, from 5 billion to a higher amount.
Mobility investments have attracted a lot of interest
The mobility sector attracted the most interest from investors, with €837 million raised. Electric charging station operators Zeplug and Bump have both attracted significant investment, €240 million and €180 million respectively.
Record-breaking financing operations
EcoVadis was the largest financing operation of the year, with €479 million invested by funds. EcoVadis is a specialist in assessing the environmental, social and ethical performance of companies.
The producer Voltalia has raised 490 million euros, including 345 million raised from its reference shareholder, Voltalia Investissement.
The industrial DualSun has raised 16 million euros to manufacture hybrid solar panels.
The report also emphasizes that French and European cleantech players have a central role to play in 2023 to influence decisions on industrial and climate competitiveness.
