Sem Soleil, a player in renewable energy development, elected Emmanuel Oulion as its new president during the board of directors meeting on September 18, 2026. Succeeding Marc Chavanne, he takes the helm of a mixed-economy company, majority-owned by public entities, which has already invested over 30 million euros in green energy in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
Emmanuel Oulion emphasized the importance of collaboration for the energy transition, stating that Sem Soleil must balance public general interest with the economic viability of projects. His roadmap includes continuing ongoing projects in photovoltaics, wind power, and methanation, while exploring self-consumption and storage.
The company, which provides expertise and project management, partners with public and private entities. SIEL-Territoire d’énergie Loire holds 72%. Concrete projects are already underway, such as photovoltaic installations in Génilac and Yssingeaux, demonstrating Sem Soleil's commitment to keeping economic benefits local.
Sem Soleil supports local authorities in realizing their renewable energy projects. Emmanuel Oulion stresses the creation of local economic activity and citizen involvement in the energy transition. Notable achievements include the Méthamoly methanation site in the Monts du Lyonnais, operational since 2018, and a planned 8.9 MWc solar farm in Forez-Est.
Other projects include agricultural solar power plants in the Pomeys and Aveize region, photovoltaic installations in Saint-Étienne and Le Chambon-Feugerolles, and a wind project with 10 turbines in the Pilat, which will produce electricity equivalent to the residential consumption of over 20,000 households annually.
