BLUE SOLUTIONS B U S I N E S S R EP O RT

Transcription

1 BLUE SOLUTIONS B U S I N E S S R EP O RT

2 MANAGING BODIES COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AS OF MARCH 19, 2015 VINCENT BOLLORÉ Chairman of the Board of Directors DIDIER MARGINEDES Vice-Chairman CYRILLE BOLLORÉ SÉBASTIEN BOLLORÉ VIRGINIE COURTIN VALÉRIE HORTEFEUX JEAN-LOUIS MILIN MARTINE STUDER EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT GILLES ALIX Chief Executive Officer CONTENTS 2 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN 4 KEY FIGURES 6 BLUE SOLUTIONS, A UNIQUE TECHNOLOGY 8 BLUE APPLICATIONS, MOBILE APPLICATIONS 12 BLUE APPLICATIONS, STATIONARY APPLICATIONS 14 SYSTEMS, IER AND POLYCONSEIL 16 SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

3 INTRODUCTION Listed on the stock exchange since October 30, 2013, Blue Solutions consolidates the electricity storage business solutions developed by the Bolloré Group. The Bolloré Group has become the world leader in dielectric films for capacitors by diversifying its existing business as a producer of ultra-thin papers and plastic films. Based on this expertise and following 20 years of research and development, the Group has developed electricity storage components and solutions; these components rely on unique technologies: the LMP (Lithium Metal Polymer) battery as well as the carbon-carbon supercapacitors. At a time when the issues of sustainable development and electricity storage have become major challenges for people, cities and governments, the Bolloré Group is relying on this expertise to develop solutions for the production, storage and intelligent consumption of electricity. These solutions are used in mobile (cars, buses, tramways, boats) and stationary (for businesses, communities and individuals, etc.) applications developed and sold by other Group entities grouped under Blue Applications, which have seen rapid growth since 2011 in France and abroad. Blue Solutions has options that will enable it to acquire the various Blue Applications businesses from September Together, Blue Solutions and Blue Applications expect to be able to leverage their unique position as an integrator offering both storage components and comprehensive solutions to meet the new requirements associated with energy transition. BLUE SOLUTIONS BUSINESS REP ORT

4 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN VINCENT BOLLORÉ THE AMBITION THAT DRIVES BLUE SOLUTIONS AND BLUE APPLICATIONS IS THE PROMOTION OF ELECTRIC MOBILITY, THE PRODUCTION, STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION OF CLEAN, INEXHAUSTIBLE AND LOW-COST ELECTRICITY EVERYWHERE, FOR EVERYONE AND UNDER ALL CONDITIONS. 2 BLUE SOLUTIONS BUSINESS REP ORT 2014

5 Thanks to significant growth in Blue Applications mobile and stationary activities, 2014 turned out be an important year for Blue Solutions. The annual production capacity has now reached 300 MWh, which is equivalent to 10, kWh batteries. Blue Solutions achieved consolidated turnover of 97.2 million euros, versus 47.4 million euros in 2013, thanks to an increase in battery deliveries from 1,056 to 2,396 units in This increase was caused by the growth in car-sharing and in the stationary field. Three years into its existence, Autolib, the Île-de-France carsharing service using 100% electric cars, is a real success: as of the end of December 2014, 194,000 individuals had tried out the service since its launch, and an average of 600,000 rentals was being recorded by month. These numbers have demonstrated the reliability and robustness of the LMP batteries developed by Blue Solutions, and have attracted the attention of other large cities. New car-sharing services are expected in 2015, for instance in Indianapolis and London, as a result of the success of Autolib in Paris, Bluely in Grand Lyon (Greater Lyon area) and Bluecub in the Bordeaux region. The Bolloré Group has brought over 3,300 electric vehicles into operation through these car-sharing services and has become the leading operator of electric charging terminals in France with over 6,000 terminals located mainly in Île de France (Greater Paris) and the Bordeaux and Lyon regions. In 2015, the Group will transition to a national role as an operator of electric vehicle charging infrastructure through the installation of 16,000 charging terminals throughout Metropolitan France over four years. The national scope of this project was recently acknowledged by the Ministries of the Economy and Ecology, and will help promote electric mobility for everyone, everywhere. The Bolloré Group seeks growth in sales and long-term leases of its electric car models, the Bluecar, Bluesummer and Blueutility to individuals, businesses and institutions. It is also working on the sale of an electric bus to the RATP in particular, which selected Bluebus following two calls for tender (a 6-meter bus, and a 12-meter bus coming soon). In January 2015, Blue Solutions inaugurated its Bluetram factory in the presence of the French Prime Minister. The Bluetram is a fully electric tramway that does not require any form of costly infrastructure (no rails and no power lines) and is fitted with supercapacitors manufactured by Blue Solutions that recharge in seconds during station stops. The battery technology having shown its worth in mobile applications, the Group initiated full-scale tests in stationary applications in Africa over the last few months. By the end of 2014, these developments had demonstrated the full scale of their potential and 2015 will see an intensification in their use. In Abidjan (Repubic of Côte d Ivoire), Yaoundé (Cameroon) and Angkor (Cambodia), stationary solar energy storage solutions supported by LMP batteries along with solar panels from Sunpower, a Total subsidiary, have been deployed to establish an independent and sustainable recharging solution for our clean transportation (Bluecar and Bluebus). Drawing on these technical accomplishments, the Bolloré Group has become the first entity worldwide to undertake investments in Africa to develop Bluezones in Conakry (Guinea), Lomé (Togo), Dosso and Niamey (Niger), as well as in Benin in the near future. These p rojects d e m o nstrate the suitabilit y of a n LMP photovoltaic/energy storage combination in countries with weak electricity production and transmission/distribution infrastructure. These approximately 4-hectare Bluezones, located in the center of African cities, are completely autonomous in terms of electricity and drinking water thanks to the electricity provided by electric batteries coupled with fields of photovoltaic panels (360 m²). The permanent supply of autonomous energy opens myriad possibilities by circumventing the too often inadequate local electrical network. The Bolloré Group has brought to bear all the Group s expertise in these Bluezones and has set up access to energy, drinking water, health centers, e-learning, Wi-Fi, new sports facilities, and entertainment venues. In Guinea, for example, the Kaloum Bluezone, launched on June 26, 2014, in one of the historic districts of the capital of Conakry has already made it possible to connect up to 6,000 people daily. In each country where these Bluezones operate, the needs of the local populations are taken into account and dictate the priorities in the services we offer. In Niger, for example, education and health are particular priorities. This has prompted us to establish schools, libraries and health centers in the Bluezones in Dosso (one of the largest cities in the south of the country, near Nigeria) and in Niamey, the capital. All Bluezones are located along railroads, whether existing or under construction and/or restoration by our Group. Population hubs and centers of development and future growth are indeed all located along railroads. Bolstered by these successes in the fields of electric batteries and mobile and stationary applications, Blue Solutions and Blue Applications will continue their investments in 2015 in order to make a significant contribution to energy transition. BLUE SOLUTIONS BUSINESS REP ORT

6 KEY FIGURES TURNOVER OF MORE THAN 97 MILLION EUROS MORE THAN 350 EMPLOYEES IN FRANCE AND CANADA A PORTFOLIO OF 1,000 PATENTS FILED BY BLUE SOLUTIONS AND BLUE SOLUTIONS CANADA A PRODUCTION CAPACITY OF 300 MWH EQUIVALENT TO 10,000 BATTERIES A BATTERY WITH A LIFETIME IN EXCESS OF 3,000 CYCLES KEY DATES u 2001 Creation of Batscap, which groups together the production of Lithium Metal Polymer (LMP ) batteries and supercapacitors. u 2004 Development of the Bluecar, a prototype electric vehicle that runs on LMP batteries. u Partnerships with Pininfarina for the manufacture of Bluecar vehicles and Gruau for the manufacture of electric buses. u 2009 Installation of the Ergué-Gabéric (Brittany) production units and inauguration of the Boucherville (Canada) factory. u 2011 Launch of Autolib in Paris. u 2013 New car-sharing projects in Lyon, Bordeaux and Indianapolis (United States). Partnerships with Total in photovoltaic panel solutions (Bluesun). Pilot projects in stationary applications. Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Blue Solutions on the Paris Stock Exchange. u Launch of car-sharing program in Indianapolis. Launch of charging terminals development program in the London metropolitan area. Development of stationary applications in Africa with the Bluezone program. Signature of an industrial agreement with the Renault Group for the manufacture of Bluecar and the development of car-sharing systems. 4 BLUE SOLUTIONS BUSINESS REP ORT 2014

7 INCOME STATEMENT (In millions of euros) Turnover EBITDA(1) 11.1 (13.2) (7.7) Operating income (6.0) (28.0) (18.0) Financial income 0.5 (7.8) (4.6) Share in net income of companies accounted for using the equity method Taxes (0.2) NET INCOME (5.7) (35.7) (22.4) of which Group share (5.7) (35.7) (22.4) (1) EBITDA is not a standardized accounting measure. It corresponds to the consolidated net operating income excluding net depreciation, amortization and provisions. BALANCE SHEET (In millions of euros) 31/12/ /12/ /12/2012 Shareholders' equity (32.3) Shareholders' equity, Group share (32.3) Net indebtedness Net cash (144.6) DELIVERY OF BATTERIES Number of batteries delivered 2,396 1,056 1,413 CHANGES IN THE SHARE PRICE since the initial public offering (in euros) Blue Solutions share price +80% March 31, 2015 closing price: euros October 30, 2013 January 2014 March 2014 June 2014 August 2014 October 2014 January 2015 March 2015 Blue Solutions has been listed on the TECH-40 Index since May BLUE SOLUTIONS BUSINESS REP ORT

8 BLUE SOLUTIONS A UNIQUE TECHNOLOGY FOR SMART ENERGY MANAGEMENT Blue Solutions develops and produces supercapacitors and electric batteries relying on a proprietary technology that is unique in the world, the Lithium Metal Polymer (LMP ), which are used in onboard and stationary applications used by Blue Applications FIGURES NUMBER OF FACTORIES: 3 ANNUAL PRODUCTION CAPACITY: 10,000 batteries of 30 kwh 2014 KEY FIGURES: 97.2 million euros 2014 NET INVESTMENTS: 11 million euros HEADCOUNT: 362 people Blue Solutions has three battery production factories: two in Brittany and one in Canada, whose annual production capacity is 300 MWh, equivalent to 10,000 batteries of 30-kWh, which is set to rise to 1GWh, i.e. the equivalent of 32,500 batteries by LMP : A UNIQUE TECHNOLOGY The LMP technology is the culmination of an ambitious research and development program that was started more than 20 years ago. Composed of thin films made by extrusion techniques in which the Bolloré Group has significant experience, LMP batteries are characterized by their power, high energy density, and safety in use. They make it possible to offer incomparable independence and are unaffected by climatic changes. These are dry batteries (meaning completely solid ), which gives them a number of advantages, in particular in terms of safety. The solid electrolyte limits the risk of local pollution in case of accident or compromise of the integrity of the battery pack. These batteries are capable of meeting the needs of numerous markets and can provide an answer to the main challenges of energy transition: the development of clean transportation and smart energy management. Blue Solutions owns the intellectual property rights that allow it to make and sell batteries that incorporate LMP technology. A COMPLEX, WELL-ESTABLISHED AND PATENT PROTECTED INDUSTRIAL PROCESS THAT CAN BE RAPIDLY DEPLOYED The manufacturing process of the ultra-thin films in LMP batteries is based on extrusion. Using the know-how developed by the Bolloré Group in the production of ultrathin films, this process confers a number of advantages on Blue Solutions in terms of manufacturing and increasing battery production capacity: u it is a clean process that makes no use of pollutants or solvents during the battery s manufacture, thus protecting workers and the environment; u this manufacturing process enables Blue Solutions to produce consistent quality films to go into the battery despite the constraints posed by their thinness; u this process enables rapid manufacturing since it makes high production yields possible. Blue Solutions has been able to develop and design the major elements in the battery manufacturing process to make them as automated as possible. The automation of manufacturing limits the risk of error caused by human manipulation. Some of the machinery in Blue Solutions battery production line turned out to be innovations that the company would patent. 6 BLUE SOLUTIONS BUSINESS REP ORT 2014

9 ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY BATTERY DESIGN The LMP battery contains no solvents, an advantage in terms of environmental protection and which facilitates recycling. For the user, the absence of solvents reduces the risk of gases being released or of a thermal event in the battery pack, even in the event of high heat or high power demand. The LMP battery contains no rare earths. The elements used in the battery are copper, aluminum, lithium, polymers, a lithium salt, iron phosphate and carbon, all raw materials reliably procurable from natural resources. BATTERY DESIGN COMBINING PERFORMANCE AND RELIABILITY The basic cell of the battery is a large-size cell with an energy capacity comparable to a lead-based battery in a combustion engine car. This high capacity makes it possible to reduce the number of elements in each battery. This process thus makes it possible to reduce the number of connections necessary between the components. By optimizing the size of the cell and limiting the number of connections, the costs of the batteries are reduced while reliability is increased, particularly in onboard applications facing harsh environments in terms of vibrations or changing weather conditions. The internal operating temperature of the LMP battery runs between 60 and 80 C. Considerable work was done on the battery s packaging to limit the impact of outside conditions. Thus the LMP battery is relatively insensitive to outside temperature conditions, which gives Blue Solutions a competitive advantage in such applications as electric buses with flat floors (making it possible to locate the batteries on the roof). THE SUPERCAPACITORS Blue Solutions has developed another electricity storage component, the supercapacitor, whose main field of application is the development of clean public transportation and hybrid cars. Blue Solutions is one of the only manufacturers of this type of product in the world. Supercapacitors are characterized by very high power density, very short charge and discharge times, and the ability to cycle several million times without deteriorating. Thanks to this technology, the Bolloré Group has developed a type of tramway that does not require heavy infrastructure (no rails and power lines) and reduces investments for local authorities. In addition, when used in conjunction with an internal combustion engine, supercapacitors can cut fuel consumption and atmospheric pollution by 20% compared to a traditional engine. BLUE SOLUTIONS BUSINESS REP ORT

10 BLUE APPLICATIONS MOBILE APPLICATIONS FOR A NEW APPROACH TO MOBILITY Developed by Blue Applications, this large range of mobile applications is essentially a response to the development challenges of clean transportation for the comfort of passengers and, from a broader perspective, to the ecological concerns of cities and governments dealing with environmental issues. ELECTRIC VEHICLES BLUECAR Bluecar develops, produces and sells electric cars that use LMP batteries. Since 2007, the Group has partnered with the famous Turin coachbuilder Pininfarina, a synonym for excellence in automotive design, to create the first concept car, the B0 Bluecar model. The current version of the Bluecar is heavily inspired by this design while having been adapted to industrial production constraints. Bluecar represents the future of the automotive industry: a safe and silent, fully-electric, clean vehicle. Bluecar has developed power electronics dedicated to the LMP battery to obtain the best possible yield from the engine. At the same time, everything was done in the design of the body and frame of the car to take into account the constraints associated with the use of a battery as a traction energy reservoir: u the positioning of the battery, between the two axles, under the seats, offers optimum mass distribution and secure road handling; u the frame is made of steel and aluminum, giving Bluecar its lightness but maintaining maximum rigidity; u the Bluecar s body is made completely of aluminum, which limits its weight to 1,150 kg integrating the 300-kg LMP battery. The convergence of these innovations in the Bluecar design gives it the largest autonomy on the market for an electric four-seat town car: 250 kilometers under normal city driving conditions. In 2012, Bluecar was the most registered electric vehicle in France with 1,543 units, or close to 30% of the total number in France. In 2014, 1,170 Bluecar vehicles were registered (versus 658 in 2013), for car-sharing services and for individual drivers and businesses seeking to acquire an electric vehicle. 8 BLUE SOLUTIONS BUSINESS REP ORT 2014

11 BLUE APPLICATIONS BLUEUTILITY Blueutility is the 100% electric utility vehicle in the Bluecar range. The Blueutility is able to fulfill widely different functions and was designed to support professionals by meeting the daily working needs of various professions and sectors (business, artisan, local government, etc.). This two-seater light utility vehicle is reliable and practical and includes a spacious loading space of 0.9 m3 and can accept up to 230 kg of payload, making it able to meet the requirements of professionals. The Blueutility combines comfort and safety and melds efficiency with aesthetics in one fully electric vehicle. BLUESUMMER Designed by Philippe Guédon (former Chief Executive Officer of Matra Automobile), the Bluesummer is a cabriolet version developed by Bluecar. Its tinted body, visible hinges and removable top give it a fun appearance. This cabriolet is completely adjustable. As comfortable in the city as on small country roads, it can transport four passengers or provide loading space for bulky objects thanks to its folding backseat. BLUETRAM Bluetram is a new concept in public transportation, and is currently under development. It is closely related to the tramway, and should be completed in Bluetram will cost five to ten times less than a traditional tramway line since it will not require the development of costly infrastructure. Thanks to supercapacitors, it can travel over one kilometer without using electricity from power lines and without rails. It recharges itself within a few seconds at each stop, while passengers are getting on or off. Bluetram, thanks to the Autolib experience and the R&D programs of Polyconseil and IER (Blue Applications subsidiaries), will eventually be able to offer an integrated solution for the management of tramway lines: vehicles, stations, IT management system for flows and traffic. BLUEBOAT Blue Applications is developing projects (in the prototype finalization stage) in the electric boat field within the company Blueboat. These 100% electric boats, with no direct emissions, are destined for river transport. BLUEBUS Bluebus develops clean collective transportation solutions for urban and suburban areas using the LMP batteries: u The 6-meter long Bluebus has the highest level of onboard energy in the market for buses in its category, thanks to three packs of LMP batteries stored in the ceiling, which enable it to cover a range of over 120 kilometers (needed for an entire day s use). Its efficiency is also reinforced by the use of energy recovery systems while braking, which favors recharging during use. Bluebus features and onboard technology allow for the placement of the LMP batteries on the roof and improve vehicle safety and handling, as well as its accessibility for individuals with reduced mobility thanks to flooring that is flat and low (at sidewalk level). User-friendly and compact, yet spacious and bright, it can accommodate around twenty passengers and weave in and out of central city streets. It has already become part of the public transportation networks in places as varied as Tours, La Réunion, Rambouillet, Laval, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Bayonne, Tarbes, and Bordeaux, as well as industrial sites such the CEA in Grenoble, and is used as a shuttle for the Louis Vuitton Foundation and Canal+. u In 2015, the Bolloré Group will develop a 12-meter bus with significant range, capable of accommodating 80 passengers and intended for the suburban markets. The RATP has initiated the energy transition of its bus fleet in order to incorporate fully electric buses within its public transportation network in Paris by 2025, and has confirmed its selection of the 6-meter Bolloré bus following an October 2013 call for tender. The 12-meter Bluebus has also been selected by the RATP and will make its first appearance on its routes during the fourth quarter of BLUE SOLUTIONS BUSINESS REP ORT

12 BLUE APPLICATIONS CAR-SHARING SOLUTIONS Blue Solutions and the Blue Applications companies develop, deploy and operate flexible drop-off car-sharing solutions (without mandatory return to the starting point), that are integrated and based on fully electric vehicles. This solution answers the challenges faced by cities by making them: u cleaner, thanks to the large-scale deployment of a non-polluting transport system; u less congested by reducing the number of vehicles in operation; u more egalitarian by making access to an individual vehicle less costly; u more pleasant to live in by reducing noise and odor pollution. Given Autolib s success, Bluecarsharing is currently continuing its work on new fully electric car-sharing services in France and abroad. AUTOLIB At the initiative of Bertrand Delanoë, the Mayor of Paris at the time, the city welcomed the first 100% electric car-sharing service, Autolib, on December 5, The service was created on an urban scale to offer people in the Paris region an unprecedented, economical and practical mode of transportation to revolutionize their travel patterns. Within three years, Autolib quickly found its place in the Paris region landscape and rapidly won over a large number of users thanks to its flexible drop-off feature and the possibility of reserving a car from the starting point or a spot upon arrival using a mobile phone. Available in Paris and in nearly 70 Île-de-France municipalities, Autolib provides a flexible and affordable car-sharing service that allows for a one-day, one-week or one-year subscription, depending on individual users needs. This service provides great usage flexibility as soon as a driver s license is obtained. Since 2012, Autolib has obtained EDF s renewable energy certification. Figures at December 31, 2014 u Fleet of vehicles in service: 2,847 u Number of stations deployed: 879 u Number of charging terminals: 4,721 u Number of premium subscribers: 87,500 u Number of rentals of vehicles during the financial year: 3,858,395 u Number of cumulative rentals since the launch: 7,558, BLUE SOLUTIONS BUSINESS REP ORT 2014

13 BLUE APPLICATIONS BLUELY Lyon and its region form a hub for initiatives and experimentation in the fields of energy, Smart Grids, new mobilities, and as such, adopted the Bluely service in October By 2015, 250 Bluecar vehicles, 100 stations and 500 terminals will be available in Bluely s 12 partners municipalities. The Compagnie Nationale du Rhône (CNR) and the Bolloré Group have decided to join forces in the fields of electricity supply and storage. To this end, the CNR has taken a 5% stake in Bluely s share capital and supplies it with fully renewable electricity. BLUECUB The Bluecub service has been established in the Bordeaux Urban Community since January 9, 2014 in order to supplement the ecomobility service promoted by the Bordeaux city hall. To date, the service has 40 stations in Bordeaux and in six bordering municipalities as well as a fleet of 90 self-service electric cars. The fleet will grow to 200 vehicles over 80 stations by the end of Since November 2014, the electricity used by Bluecub is provided by CNR through its service dedicated to electric mobility, Move in pure. BLUEINDY Blueindy established itself on a test basis in Indianapolis, the hub of car races, in May Blueindy is on its way to becoming the largest electric vehicle car-sharing service with flexible drop-off in the United States. The service will become available to the general public during It will eventually include 500 electric vehicles and 200 rental locations equipped with 1,000 charging terminals. BLUECITY A car-sharing network will progressively develop in London based on the BluePointLondon network of electric recharging terminals and should eventually provide a means of connecting all the boroughs of Greater London. FLEET MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS The Bolloré Group offers customized, private fleet management solutions for businesses and communities that wish to act to preserve the environment and to reduce their energy bill. Each solution incorporates all-inclusive, flexible and attractive long-term vehicle rental offers (LLD) that include the maintenance and the connected and remote management of these vehicle fleets. The electric vehicles provided, both cars and buses, are all from the Bolloré range of vehicles. With the reliability, service quality and responsiveness provided by this customized range of products, Blue Applications is offering its clients a head start on the unavoidable changes that will affect their mobility solutions. Businesses and public authorities whose trust we have earned: Atos, Unibail, PagesJaunes, etc. BLUE SOLUTIONS BUSINESS REP ORT

14 BLUE APPLICATIONS STATIONARY APPLICATIONS: PRODUCTS AND SOLUTIONS AT THE HEART OF ENERGY CHALLENGES As a hallmark of progress, these stationary applications promise economic and social development in terms of access to electricity, drinking water, and new information and communication technologies (NICT) that make possible, among other things, the establishment of lighted spaces for reading, and health and prevention centers. RECHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES BLUESTATIONS BlueStations has obtained the approval of the Ministries of the Economy and Ecology, which recognize the Group s corporate goal to become the operator of a national infrastructure network for the recharging of electric vehicle on a national scale. Already the leading operator of electric charging terminals with roughly 6,000 terminals, particularly in Île-de-France, Bordeaux and Lyon, the Group has committed to creating 16,000 charging terminals in four years over the entirety of Metropolitan France, for an investment of 150 million euros. The plan consists in deploying the charging terminals subsequently to obtaining the agreement of the municipalities and reaching an agreement as to their locations. This network s ambitious goal will promote electric mobility for everyone, everywhere. For this project, the Group has chosen a high-level product with smart and connected terminals that permit better management of the customer experience and communication with users. Semiaccelerated charging power delivering 7.4 kw (complete recharge in four hours) is optimal for clients and works within the constraints of energy transition by avoiding a destabilization of the electric network through overly brutal power drains, while prolonging the life of the vehicle batteries. BLUEPOINTLONDON Transport for London chose the Bolloré Group to handle the development of electric vehicles in London and take over the management of 1,400 charging terminals. The Bolloré Group will also handle the management of the IT systems, including the connection of the charging terminals to a centralized command system, the establishment of a call center to enable subscribers to reserve their spots and to receive 24/7 assistance, as well as the creation of a website and of mobile applications for geopositioning the terminals. The company Bluecarsharing will eventually supplement this solution through the creation of an Autolib type car-sharing service with the initial launch of 50 vehicles per 100 additional, dedicated charging terminals. BLUESTORAGE Bluestorage is developing a line of energy storage solutions from a few kwh to several MWh of stored energy, intended for a variety of end users: Electric network companies and consumers of electricity (companies and individuals). For individuals and businesses, the solutions developed by Bluestorage will make it possible to offset intermittencies in the network (electrical breakdowns) and improve energy consumption management. The solutions developed by Bluestorage for companies in the electrical network will make it possible to improve economic performance of solar and wind farms by aligning electricity production periods with peak consumption periods. Bluestorage is also developing solutions to better integrate renewable energy in the network, by offering 12 BLUE SOLUTIONS BUSINESS REP ORT 2014

15 BLUE APPLICATIONS frequency regulation services and strengthening the capacities and reliability of electrical networks. The Group formed a partnership with the Compagnie Nationale du Rhône (100% renewable electricity producer) to equip one of its solar power plants (Bollène, in the Vaucluse region) for electricity storage in order to improve performance (power and quality of the electrical current). Bluestorage created a subsidiary, BlueElec, whose objective is to develop and operate energy storage solutions making it possible to optimize the ability to reduce consumption. The main markets targeted by BlueElec are the industrial and residential load shedding markets. These projects demonstrate the usefulness of a photovoltaic/energy storage combination in countries with weak electricity production and distribution infrastructure. In each country hosting a Bluezone, the Bolloré Group offers services that were entirely designed for the needs of the local population. These spaces enable inhabitants to have continuous access to electricity, drinking water and numerous services: medical, counseling and preventive healthcare centers, schools, libraries, media libraries, business incubators for young entrepreneurs, Wi-Fi Internet, workshops for craftworkers, sports facilities, cultural venues, and so on. BLUESUN Bluesun is a joint subsidiary set up by Bluestorage and Total Énergie Développement, which gives access to new generation solar panels produced by Sunpower. These panels are combined with classic generating equipments and storage devices offered on the market by Bluestorage. Bluesun is developing stationary as well as transportation solutions: u 100% green public transportation: Bluesun has developed a 100% green public transportation concept relying on solar panels, stationary LMP batteries and Bluebus vehicles. This concept has already been deployed and is operated on the Cocody Campus in Abidjan (Repubic of Côte d Ivoire), in Yaoundé (Cameroon), and on the site of the Angkor temples in Cambodia; u solar recharging for electric vehicles; u car-sharing system with solar recharging terminals. BLUE APPLICATIONS IN AFRICA: BLUEZONE Working on the strength of its new technology, the Bolloré Group has undertaken a pioneering investment in Africa, where the fragmented energy sector presents a serious hindrance to development, to deploy stationary applications using the LMP battery. This led to the creation of the first Bluezones in Conakry (Guinea), Lomé (Togo), Dosso and Niamey (Niger), and in Benin in the near future. Veritable cities within cities, these approximately 4-hectare Bluezones, located in the center of African cities, are completely autonomous in terms of electricity and drinking water Thanks to the electricity produced by the solar panel fields and stored in containers filled with LMP batteries, hectares of undeveloped land without access to the electric grid, are now being transformed into lighted spaces supplied with drinking water and connected to the Internet. These new habitable spaces enable the development of a variety of economic, cultural and sports activities. BLUE SOLUTIONS BUSINESS REP ORT

16 SYSTEMS IER is the leading provider of solutions designed to optimize and secure the flow of goods and persons. IER has developed terminals, self-service terminals and identification and geopositioning systems that have recently made it a key player in the car-sharing market. SELF-SERVICE TERMINALS IER is world leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of terminals for large transportation networks (air, rail and sea), as well as ticketing and consultation terminals available to users of certain public services (La Poste, CMAF). IER has recently launched two new products to meet market needs: u a baggage registration terminal for airports; u a self-service payment terminal designed for small and medium-sized retail outlets, allowing a significant time saving for customers in city centers. AUTOMATIC IDENTIFICATION IER designs, develops and integrates identification, traceability and mobility solutions for use by logistics operators, industry and large retailers. Its expertise in all the technologies, especially RFID, has made IER a benchmark in integration and service. NEW MOBILITIES With its expertise in the field of terminals and developments in automatic identification solutions, IER has become a major player in new mobility solutions for transportation, and especially electric car-sharing systems. Through the Autolib, Bluely and Bluecub car-sharing services, IER has deployed over 6,000 charging terminals in the Paris, Lyon and Bordeaux regions, forming the largest network of charging terminals in Europe. In addition, IER has deployed nearly 900 rental terminals as well as about a hundred subscription terminals operating by videoconference. IER has also developed onboard computer solutions for the Bluecar vehicles, as well as the appropriate management tools. In 2014, IER exported its know-how in managing charging station fleets when it was awarded the management contract for the Source London network. 14 BLUE SOLUTIONS BUSINESS REP ORT 2014

17 SYSTEMS Polyconseil, created in 1989, offers end-to-end IT solutions ranging from strategic planning (opportunity, feasibility, definition and strategy studies) to operations and results monitoring, including project steering and implementation. Its team of consultants, consisting of more than 100 people, creates value from its experience in managing complex projects and from a team of 80 advanced engineers in telecommunications, Internet, M2M (mobile to mobile) technologies, and the management and supervision of electrical energy. MARKETS Polyconseil offers a comprehensive range of digital transformation solutions for CAC 40 companies and is working, alongside governments and local authorities, to build the cities of tomorrow. SMART CITIES As a specialist in new technologies and digital services, Polyconseil assists its public and private partners with issues involving smart mobility, smart grids, digital regional development, innovative services for municipalities, onboard connectivity and communicating vehicles. Polyconseil s mission under the Autolib project was to guide the entire project of creating the Autolib car-sharing operation. Since the service first opened to the public, Polyconseil has been involved in the expansion of Autolib and its operations in France (Bluely in Lyon, Bluecub in Bordeaux) and internationally. It guides Autolib s technology decisions in becoming a leader in smart mobility. Beyond that, Polyconseil is heavily involved in expanding the activities of Blue Solutions and Blue Applications. It has responsibility, for example, for creating BlueElec, an integrated energy company offering innovative energy management solutions. Drawing on its expertise in strategic and business research, its understanding of the energy issues in France, Europe and abroad, and its familiarity with the regulatory framework of the various countries, Polyconseil works with Blue Solutions on: u identifying strategic opportunities to create value from its electrical storage capabilities on these various markets; u creating its roadmap to becoming the undisputed leader in storage, energy management and incorporation of renewable energy sources; u designing its value proposition to consumers, businesses, energy producers and local authorities. Polyconseil s other sectors of expertise are telecommunications, media strategy and emerging markets. BLUE SOLUTIONS BUSINESS REP ORT

18 SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY As a subsidiary, Blue Solutions integrates and applies the Bolloré Group s corporate social responsibility policy. This policy is based on four main principles: sharing the same business ethics, developing and revealing talent, producing and innovating sustainably, taking action for local development. SHARING THE SAME BUSINESS ETHICS Blue Solutions ethical commitments, a critical prerequisite to good governance, demonstrate its desire to develop and maintain the trusting relationships necessary to sustain its activities long-term. This ethics policy implemented by the Group assumes that economic development is always associated with behavior above reproach. In order to ensure that everyone complies with these commitments, the Group relies on an efficient and consistent apparatus, to which Blue Solutions is fully committed. It comprises: u an Ethics Committee, which defines and coordinates the implementation of the Group s ethics policy; u a Bolloré Group Ethics Manager, whose role is to provide ongoing advice to senior management, and who coordinates the network of Blue Solutions Ethics Managers and compliance officers; u a network of Ethics Managers and compliance officers at the division level, whose main role is to monitor compliance with the rules and principles contained in the codes of conduct and to ensure their implementation in their respective companies; u an alert system enabling employees to point out, to an authorized member of staff, any dysfunctions or irregularities they may notice within the company which they consider could pose a serious risk to the business. DEVELOPING AND REVEALING TALENT The financial performance of the Bolloré Group and Blue Solutions is based on the commitment of the women and men who work to achieve it. Its social policy is demonstrated accordingly through five major commitments: u ensuring and monitoring the health of all employees; u anticipating changes in the business lines, developing skills and promoting local talents; u supporting organizational changes and encouraging mobility within the Group; u integrating diversity in all forms and guaranteeing equal opportunity throughout employees careers; u encouraging dialog with the workforce; employee involvement and engagement. Faced with different challenges such as employees growing expectations and the shortage of certain technical skills, the Group is involved as an economic and social player. This in particular has resulted in: u a health and welfare policy that offers employees effective guarantees; u a training policy that addresses both current operational needs and the future strategic development of our businesses; u advice and assistance for our managers to develop their managerial skills; u strengthening of skills that are critical to the ongoing development of our businesses. PRODUCING AND INNOVATING SUSTAINABLY Preventing and reducing the impact of its activities To run its businesses responsibly it must, above all else, manage the risks that are associated with them. The risk mapping exercise performed in 2008 for the Group enabled us to identify priority risks for each division and consolidate risk management procedures at Group level while taking into account the diversity of the Group s businesses. The identified risks were validated and assessed, by the Management Committee of each division, in terms of their impact, frequency and level of management required. The action plans arising from this risk analysis have transformed what may have appeared to be a constraint into an opportunity for development, both technological and financial, of the Group s businesses. Integrating environmental performance in the Group s overall strategy The Bolloré Group attaches great importance to reducing the environmental impact of its activities. Blue Solutions provides a solution to two environmental challenges: the development of clean transportation and energy management. Innovate to anticipate new environmental requirements Energy constraints, climate change and scarcity of resources are all factors that now heavily influence clients consumption patterns. Innovation has always been an essential component of the Group s corporate culture. For more than twenty years, it has invested in an electrical energy storage research and development program. Through this program, two innovative energy storage technologies have been developed: the LMP battery and supercapacitors. Blue Solutions therefore focuses its research efforts on perfecting products and services that can address new environmental challenges. TAKE ACTION FOR LOCAL DEVELOPMENT A societal policy structured around three commitments: u establishing listening, discussions and collaboration with stakeholders; u strengthening the local presence of the Group s activities; u promoting the social commitment of employees. 16 BLUE SOLUTIONS BUSINESS REP ORT 2014

19 The business report is printed on Novatech Satin (FSC) and Imagine Silk (PEFC) paper. PHOTO CREDITS Photo librairies of Bolloré, Blue Solutions, IER, Pascal Anziani. Paul Cooper (portrait of the Chairman), X. DESIGN AND PUBLICATION

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