Success for EDF Energies Nouvelles' first crowdfunding campaign

This campaign took place from June 15 to July 16, 2015, on the Lendosphere internet platform, dedicated to sustainable development projects. With the initial objective of raising €100,000 in one month, €135,000 was lent thanks to a very strong mobilization of the inhabitants of the six communes of the Vosges massif (Châtas, Grandrupt, La Grande Fosse, Saint-Stail, Ban-de -Sapt and Saâles).

The results of this operation reveal this mobilization: 198 lenders in total, 40% of the lenders reside in the two departments of Vosges and Bas-Rhin, for 50% of the total amount loaned. Local investment brought together young and old alike, from 18 to 83! The amounts raised are intended to finance studies prior to the construction of the Bois de Belfays wind farm which will be made up of 10 2 MW wind turbines. Construction of the park is planned to begin in 2016.

Implemented to meet the expectations of elected officials, this crowdfunding operation is a first in France for EDF Energies Nouvelles. Emmanuel Jaclot, Deputy General Manager Strategy, M&A and France of EDF Energies Nouvelles, commented: “ We are pleased with the success of our first crowdfunding campaign in France, which demonstrates the confidence of individuals in our wind projects. We hope that this operation will pave the way for other innovative initiatives of this type which will notably allow local populations to participate in our wind projects.".

“ EDF Energies Nouvelles is the first major French operator to have carried out a crowdfunding campaign for a wind project. The operation was a complete success. This is the largest successful campaign to date in terms of amounts collected for a crowdlending platform approved as a crowdfunding intermediary. This status, which came into force on October 1, 2014, allows individuals to lend to businesses through internet platforms such as Lendosphere – the only one to be dedicated solely to projects contributing to the ecological transition. », underlines Laure Verhaeghe, co-founder of Lendosphere.

About Lendosphere

Lendosphere is the first crowdfunding platform for paid loans dedicated to sustainable development projects. On Lendosphere, individuals lend directly, and with interest, to projects in which they believe. Since its launch in December 2014, more than €850,000 has already been invested by individuals in renewable energy projects. Lendosphere is registered with ORIAS as a crowdfunding intermediary, n°14006560. For more information : www.lendosphere.com

Press contacts

Lendosphere:
Laura Verhaeghe
+33 (0)6 20 68 36 77
laure@lendosphere.com

EDF Energies Nouvelles:
Marie de Montreynaud
+33 (0)1 40 90 48 22
marie.demontreynaud@edf-en.com