Episode 38: Scaling Up Solar Power: Leading EPC Project Development Across West Africa – MyEnergyLife Series

Welcome to the 38th episode of the #MyEnergyLife series, a weekly LinkedIn feature designed to highlight, engage with, and empower emerging energy professionals across Africa. Through a series of articles, we will explore the many career paths that exist in the energy industry. Our aim is to provide valuable insights and counsel to support the career aspirations of young professionals in the energy industry.

In this episode, we meet Samuel Landry ZINSOU, ICE-MBA(USA)®, IAHPO® HPM , a Project Manager – Solar PV Solutions & Energy Efficiency at ARIC SA. Samuel shares his story of how he got started in the energy industry, detailing his initial challenges and offering invaluable advice to fellow young professionals seeking their path in this dynamic industry.

Full Name

Samuel Landry ZINSOU, ICE-MBA(USA)®, IAHPO® HPM

Current Company Name

ARIC SA

Current Job Title

Project Manager – Solar PV Solutions & Energy Efficiency

Specialization

Renewable Energies

Country of Origin

Côte d’Ivoire

Tell us about your journey in the energy industry.

I am an energy sector professional with 9 years of experience in the energy sector. Having graduated with a B.Sc. in Electrical and Energetic Engineering, I was equipped with the knowledge to hold the position of Energy Project Manager for 5 years within a dynamic Ivorian SME called S-TEL.

Subsequently, I moved to ENGIE West Africa group as a Technical Sales Support for the Commercial & Industrial (C&I) Solar Energy operations before joining the Bouygues Construction in 2022 to manage the development of a Business Unit, specializing in the development of Energy Performance Contracts (EPC) for solar energy projects at different scales.

I recently joined EDF Group’s subsidiary, ARIC SA. ARIC has a strong background in climate engineering, and I’m excited to be part of their transition towards new ventures in renewable energies and energy efficiency.

What do you do in your current role at your company?

I’m in charge of the development of Solar PV  & Energy Efficiency department for ARIC SA, a subsidiary of the EDF Group on target markets (Ivory Coast, Mali, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Togo, Benin, Cameroun). My role involves:

• Business Development Management of key activities : Solar PV & Energy Efficiency

• Oversee projects from start to finish, from bid to handover for construction of EPC tenders

• EPC contract negotiation

In this role, I oversee projects from start to finish, from bid to handover for the construction of EPC tenders. I also handle the EPC contract negotiation for C&I PV Solar plants, on economic, technical, and contractual aspects.

In addition to these, I assist the Sales Team of EDF West Africa  at any phase of project development by costing and providing technical support. My role also includes the promotion (internally/externally) of our expertise and references, and supporting business development on key markets.

Could you describe your typical day at work?

My extroverted personality thrives in a collaborative work environment. I enjoy the flexibility of managing my schedule, which allows me to connect effectively with colleagues. Once I arrive at the department, I have a brief update on project actions with my supervisor and then set about coordinating a list of activities to be carried out in conjunction with the sales department i.e. customer meetings, offers to submit, meetings, etc. According to the established order of priority, I implement the activities accordingly for the day.

“My job allows me to meet new people, and build contact with the customers and these to me are fun.”

What are some of the challenges you have faced in the industry?

Côte d’Ivoire is confronted with two major challenges in its energy industry. One is the slow establishment of the legal framework adapted to the development of projects and the second is the relatively low price of conventional electricity in Ivory Coast. This makes it difficult to competitively price electricity sales in the context of corporate PPA solar power plant construction projects.

What is the most fun thing you love about your work?

My job allows me to meet new people, and build contact with the customers and these to me are fun. I am able to broaden my network.

How do you balance work and life?

By making sure I give myself the necessary rest time each time my body demands it. I stand with the principle that I would never benefit from being productive with a tired or even sick body. The key is therefore having physical rest but also recharging your batteries emotionally and psychologically through e regular physical activities.

What are the core hard skills someone in your field should have?

In addition to expertise in electrical grid sizing, PV system design, and operations, proficiency in business software like PVSyst, Helioscope, and Homer Pro is a valuable asset. Strong project and business management skills are also essential.

What soft skills should someone in your field have?

It is very important to know how to work autonomously, have good adaptability, be results-oriented, and know how to impact and influence.

What is the best thing about your work?

Its international dimension on a sub-regional scale.

What would you consider a highlight of your career?

A significant career highlight was joining Bouygues Construction & Services as a Business Unit Manager. This role granted me access to crucial company data and exposed me to the weighty responsibilities of senior management. Leveraging this newfound perspective, I actively participated in shaping the company’s commercial and operational strategies, directly supporting the Management Committee in its decision-making processes.

“My work helps in the direct delivery of greener and more environmentally friendly energy.”

What are you passionate about outside of work?

Certainly sport and football in particular, I know everything about football and its history.

How do you think that your work makes a difference in the energy space?

My work helps in the direct delivery of greener and more environmentally friendly energy. It also, in most cases, helps lower the energy costs of industrial or tertiary customers. Therefore, it has a positive impact on the costs of finished products on the market, at the end of the value chain.

What advice do you have for someone new to the industry?

To strive to learn to master technical tools to perfection and to develop functional technical skills.

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See you in the next article!