OREANDA-NEWS. Unveiled at the "GDF SUEZ Innovation Day" in Lille, in the presence of 35 regional startups, this platform enables the development of concrete collaborations between project developers and GDF SUEZ: calls for projects, skills and patents proposals, etc.

To address the challenge of energy transition and to meet customers' expectations, utilities must not only be able to offer innovative services but also to extend their skills to new fields of activity. For GDF SUEZ, the achievement of these objectives requires a systematic use of innovation.

In this context, GDF SUEZ launches "OpenInnov by GDF SUEZ", a platform which will serve as a link between GDF SUEZ and specific ecosystems bringing together project developers, startups, industry, SMEs, inventors, researchers, etc. to invent together new services.

This platform will enable project developers to propose their expertise, know-how or inventions (patents), particularly in the areas of smart energy management, energy efficiency and home comfort but also in favor of cities, territories and mobility.

GDF SUEZ will also use this platform to launch calls for proposals to young innovative companies. Hence, a call for proposals has already been launched on November 6 "Smart City: regeneration of the Saint-Sauveur neighborhood in Lille". The urbanization of this 23 hectares site should ensure both urban rebalancing and a sustainable approach.

Eventually, "OpenInnov by GDF SUEZ" will propose an online magazine and a bi-monthly newsletter focusing on innovation within the Group and in the industry.

GDF SUEZ develops its businesses (power, natural gas, energy services) around a model based on responsible growth to take up today's major energy and environmental challenges: meeting energy needs, ensuring the security of supply, fighting against climate change and maximizing the use of resources. The Group provides highly efficient and innovative solutions to individuals, cities and businesses by relying on diversified gas-supply sources, flexible and low-emission power generation as well as unique expertise in four key sectors: independent power production, liquefied natural gas, renewable energy and energy efficiency services. GDF SUEZ employs 147,400 people worldwide and achieved revenues of ˆ81.3 billion in 2013. The Group is listed on the Paris and Brussels stock exchanges and is represented in the main international indices: CAC 40, BEL 20, DJ Euro Stoxx 50, Euronext 100, FTSE Eurotop 100, MSCI Europe and Euronext Vigeo (World 120, Eurozone 120, Europe 120 and France 20).