French wind energy players Alstom, Areva, EDF and Eiffage have joined 35 other compatriot companies, including banks and investors into renewable energy, in making a firm commitment to combat climate change.
The 39 major French companies, employing a total of 4.4 million people worldwide and generating sales of EUR 1.2 trillion euros, signed a climate pledge to contribute to limiting the warming of the Earth to 2°C compared to pre-industrial levels.
The companies are taking concrete steps to reduce their carbon footprint through, among other, the use of renewable energy, notably hydro, wind or solar energy, and the adoption of long-term investment strategies actively promoting the energy transition.
From 2016 to 2020, the 39 companies plan to invest at least EUR 45 billion in industrial projects and R&D devoted to renewable energy, energy efficiency and other low carbon technologies.
Over the same period, they also intend to provide bank and bond financing of at least EUR 80 billion for projects contributing to the fight against climate change.
Images: Areva