Thursday, September 17, 2026
As an official partner of the 8th edition of the World Giverny Forum, Groupe BPCE took part in the discussions alongside 1,000 leaders from the economic and institutional sectors who aim to transform sustainable development into a lever for power, competitiveness and sovereignty. During a round table, Valérie Combes-Santonja, Groupe BPCE’s Chief Impact Officer, reaffirmed the key role of financial players in accelerating electrification, decarbonizing regions and guaranteeing energy independence.
At the 8th edition of the Forum, on 4 September 2026, 1,000 economic and institutional leaders addressed the questions that many decision-makers are asking today: securing critical resources, anticipating systemic risks, adapting economic models and transforming these changes into sustainable competitive advantages.
Through its participation and commitment as a partner, Groupe BPCE is affirming its role in promoting the ecological and energy transition, and its ambition to make sustainability a lever for competitiveness and sovereignty for Europe.
Invited to speak at the round table “How to make electrification a lever for decarbonization and energy sovereignty for Europe?” , Valérie Combes-Santonja recalled that Groupe BPCE’s action is based on a fundamental principle: making impact accessible to its customers.
« Electrification is not just a technical or infrastructure challenge. It is as much a matter for consumers and uses as it is for energy producers. Groupe BPCE's companies and businesses are mobilized, combining proximity, expertise and innovation to support and finance their customers as closely as possible to their needs. »
Valérie Combes-Santonja
Chief Impact Officer, Groupe BPCE
She also recalled the group’s priorities in terms of energy transition and electrification
By combining strong regional roots, leading financing capacities and financial innovations, Groupe BPCE confirmed at the World Giverny Forum that it is, more than ever, the key partner for regional stakeholders to carry out the transition and build sustainable European energy sovereignty.
Groupe BPCE is joining this major event to reaffirm its commitment to the energy transition and European economic sovereignty, which are at the heart of its impact policy.
To decarbonise the economy, the share of electricity in national energy consumption must rise to 38% in 2030, then to 55%-58% by 2050, compared to 27% today. This will require an investment of €200 billion to modernise and strengthen distribution networks by 2035.