Our innovations – Corsica Sole

A pioneer in island territories

Born in an island environment, Corsica Sole very early on understood the specific challenges of isolated grids: dependence on fossil fuels, constraints in balancing supply and demand, and exposure to climatic hazards.

For more than 15 years, we have been developing innovative solutions for energy production, storage and management, tailored to these demanding contexts.

This expertise, acquired in Corsica, overseas territories and across Europe, is now a key asset in supporting other territories on their path towards energy autonomy and carbon neutrality.

Energy storage in island territories

Since 2015, Corsica Sole has been a pioneer in energy storage in island territories. The company has developed bespoke solutions to address a dual challenge: ensuring grid stability while promoting energy autonomy.

These systems store electricity produced by local solar power plants and release it when production declines or demand increases. They are perfectly suited to the specific constraints of non-interconnected grids, where security of supply and the management of fluctuations are critical.

By combining storage with photovoltaic generation, Corsica Sole has created a model for the optimal integration of renewable energies in demanding island environments, while reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.

Key benefits:

Grid stabilisation

reduction of fluctuations and dynamic energy management.

Optimised self-consumption

use of solar electricity even when generation is unavailable.

Security of supply

strengthened energy resilience in isolated territories.

Seamless integration of renewable energies

improved management of intermittent sources.

Emissions reduction

reduced reliance on thermal power plants.

Adaptable model

applicable to both island and mainland grids.

Energy Management System (EMS)

The Energy Management System (EMS) is an advanced software platform that controls electricity production, storage and consumption in real time. This system dynamically adjusts energy flows according to grid needs and opportunities.

Key benefits

Optimisation of energy flows

balance between renewable generation and consumption.

Cost reduction

reduced exposure to electricity market fluctuations.

Grid security

rapid response to changes in demand.

Flexibility and stability

seamless integration of intermittent renewable energies.

Corsica Sole deploys high-performance EMS solutions across its facilities to maximise the efficiency of renewable energies and ensure a more stable and resilient power grid.

Vanilla Greenhouses of Réunion Island

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This innovative project, developed in partnership with a local agricultural cooperative, brings together terroir-based agriculture and sustainable solar energy. Photovoltaic canopies have been specifically designed to protect vanilla plantations, filtering up to 75% of sunlight and maintaining an optimal temperature between 25°C and 32°C. This controlled microclimate protects crops, reduces the use of chemical inputs and strengthens the climate resilience of farms.

The objective is twofold: to preserve the vanilla sector in Réunion Island—the most valuable and demanding crop to maintain on the island—while enhancing local agricultural heritage.

By reducing environmental impact and creating ideal growing conditions, this model ensures the long-term sustainability of high-quality production while fully aligning with a responsible and virtuous energy approach.

Key benefits :

Protected cultivation

Vanilla grown under ideal conditions, with 75% shading and controlled temperatures between 25°C and 32°C.

Reduction in pests and pesticides

Less need for chemical inputs thanks to a controlled environment.

Rainwater harvesting for irrigation

Sustainable use of water resources to support crops.

Enhanced climate resilience

Improved resistance to cyclones and extreme heat, reducing risks linked to climatic hazards.

Enhancement of agricultural heritage

Preservation of Réunion Island’s “black gold,” vanilla, and support for the local agricultural sector.

Sustainability of the local agricultural value chain

Ensuring the long-term viability of vanilla production while addressing environmental challenges.

Replicable model

This approach can be extended to other crops and territories, contributing to both the energy and agricultural transitions.

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A pioneering R&D project: green hydrogen in island territories

This pioneering R&D project aims to create a decarbonised island power system by integrating renewable hydrogen as a primary energy vector.

By harnessing surplus solar energy, the project enables the production and storage of hydrogen, thereby reducing islands’ dependence on fossil fuels. The innovation lies in using hydrogen to stabilise local electricity grids, decarbonise heavy and maritime transport, as well as industrial activities.

Once deployed, this model can be replicated in other islands and isolated areas, contributing to the energy transition on a broader scale.

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Key benefits

Energy autonomy

Deployment of a local, decarbonised power system, reducing dependence on fossil energy sources.

Valorisation of surplus solar energy

Production and storage of excess energy in the form of hydrogen.

Reduced fossil fuel dependence

Direct impact on lowering CO₂ emissions on islands.

Diverse applications

Use for grid stabilisation, heavy mobility and industrial applications.

Optimisation of existing assets

Leveraging existing thermal infrastructure and networks to maximise system efficiency.

Sustained local employment

Support for the island thermal power sector, promoting long-term employment.

Replicable model

Adaptable to other islands and isolated areas, enabling positive outcomes to be replicated elsewhere.

Recognition and support

France 2030: Winner of Wave 11 of the I-nov competition (April 2023).
CAPENERGIES label: Awarded in May 2023.

A pioneering project for resilient, low-carbon island power systems.

DRIVECO: from solar innovation born at Corsica Sole to a European leader in electric mobility

Driveco, a subsidiary of Corsica Sole, is now one of the leading players in electric mobility in France. Founded in 2010 by Corsica Sole to develop solar mobility and accelerate the transition towards a decarbonised model, the company laid the foundations for a pioneering vision: enabling electric vehicle charging powered by 100% renewable energy.

Its flagship innovation, the Parasol, embodies this ambition: an autonomous photovoltaic charging station combining solar generation, integrated storage and architectural design. With a 150 m² roof (29 kW) capable of charging up to eight vehicles simultaneously, the Parasol delivers fully solar-powered charging, day and night, thanks to intelligent energy management.

Over the years, Driveco has grown into a fully-fledged company, driven by strong growth and an ambitious industrial strategy. A leader in electric mobility in France, it now operates several thousand charging points, a dense territorial network and offices across the country, supported by a team of more than 150 employees. This momentum enables Driveco to deliver a reliable, high-performance charging network, largely manufactured locally.

To support its expansion and accelerate innovation, Driveco has raised several hundred million euros since 2020 from major sustainable investment partners, including Mirova (a fund dedicated to sustainable development) and APG (a long-term European infrastructure fund). These investments reinforce its ambition to become a European leader in electric vehicle charging, with a rapidly expanding network.

Key figures:

over 10,000 charging points,
€35 million in revenue in 2023,
more than 1 million kilometres charged via KINO and Parasol solar charging stations.

Thus, the innovation launched by Corsica Sole more than fifteen years ago has become a robust, recognised and forward-looking company, demonstrating that electric mobility can be solar-powered, locally anchored and high-performing at the same time.