Sebastien François

1. When did you join Natural Power? 

I joined Natural Power in 2020, after completing my studies in electrical engineering. I was immediately drawn to the international scope of the team and the diversity of skills within the renewable energy sector. At Natural Power, depending on the challenges I face in my projects, I can interact with ecologists, hydrologists, geotechnical engineers, civil and mechanical engineers, data analysts, software engineers, legal experts, and more. 

2. What does your day typically consist of?  

My typical day depends on the stage of the projects I’m working on. During the development phase, I communicate with the client to understand the specific requirements of their project, which I will then design and size using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software. I may also be involved in optimizing the project’s grid connection, as this is a critical step for the project’s success. Once the project is authorized and its grid connection secured, I assist the client in defining their procurement strategy and selecting the companies best suited to build the project within the set budgets and deadlines. From the start of construction, I monitor the progress of the work and visit the site regularly to ensure that it is carried out according to quality and safety standards. During the commissioning phase and before final project acceptance, I conduct a final inspection of the work, ensuring that the project has passed its performance tests and obtained all necessary compliance certificates.The technical expertise I provide throughout the project’s life cycle and my proactive communication with clients are central to my typical working day. 

3. What do you enjoy most about your role?  

I enjoy the great diversity of projects I work on. Each project faces unique challenges that require a case-by-case approach. This complexity is very stimulating. I also find it rewarding to witness the realization of projects I have been working on for several months, or even years, as they are commissioned. I feel that I am contributing to the development of renewable energy and participating in the energy transition. 

4. What is the most interesting type of work you have done and why?  

I had the opportunity to oversee the construction of the largest unsubsidized photovoltaic solar plant in Europe, located in the Algarve region of Portugal. The construction of this 220MWp plant on rugged terrain, in the challenging context of the post-COVID era, remains the project I am most proud of. I am currently overseeing the construction of a 34MWp floating photovoltaic solar plant. This project further demonstrates, if it was even needed, the ability of solar power to make use of new areas. I am also working on numerous agrivoltaic projects, which require us to rethink how we design projects in order to create synergies between agricultural activities and electricity production. 

5. What is your biggest achievement at work?  

My greatest achievement remains the satisfaction of my clients, with whom I have built a trusting relationship over the course of the projects they have entrusted to me. 

Successfully completing the construction of projects, sometimes helping the client save significant resources by anticipating potential issues inherent to construction sites and by providing rigorous oversight on HSQE (Health, Safety, Quality, and Environment) matters, is truly rewarding.