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Cyrille de Baracé
Director - EPC chez Canadian Solar Inc.
Professional Background
Cyrille de Baracé is a distinguished expert in photovoltaic (PV) technology and renewable energy, showcasing a strong portfolio with substantial contributions to over 1 gigawatt of solar energy projects. With a career that spans various significant roles in the industry — including construction manager, engineering manager, business development manager, procurement manager, and currently serving as the EPC director for Canadian Solar — Cyrille possesses a comprehensive understanding of the PV landscape. His multifaceted experience allows him to navigate the complexities of solar farm projects effectively, ensuring they are secured, designed, and delivered in a competitive and fast-paced environment.
Throughout his career, Cyrille has demonstrated his exceptional project management skills and ability to foster relationships across departments. As the Project Director for the Suntop Solar Farm (190MWp) and Gunnedah Solar Farm (159MWp), he has overseen project execution from conceptualization to completion, ensuring all aspects align with quality standards while delivering on deadline. His expertise also lies in procurement, having been responsible for the procurement strategies for large-scale projects such as the Western Downs Solar Farm (460MWp), further solidifying his reputation in the industry.
Additionally, his roles at Bouygues Construction Australia have equipped him with vast knowledge in engineering management and construction management within the solar sector. As Engineering Manager, he was instrumental in overseeing projects like the Coleambally Solar Farm (189MWp) and was involved in the execution of multiple other projects that contributed to the growth of sustainable energy solutions.
Education and Achievements
Cyrille de Baracé holds a prestigious engineering degree from the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Paris, an institution ranked among the top engineering schools globally. He pursued a rigorous curriculum in civil engineering with a particularly strong emphasis on underground engineering, preparing him for a diverse range of challenges in the construction and energy sectors.
Before joining Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Paris, Cyrille engaged in intensive preparatory classes (Classes préparatoires MPSI/MP*) geared towards excellence in mathematics and physics, claiming a commendable position in the highly competitive admission process for elite French engineering schools, including Centrale Paris. This foundation in scientific principles has proven invaluable in his approach to complex engineering challenges in solar and renewable energy.
Cyrille’s work at notable companies, including Neoen and Bouygues Construction Australia, has heightened his industry understanding and expanded his network, enabling him to stay at the forefront of advancements in solar technology.
Fluently speaking French and English, alongside professional proficiency in Swedish and Spanish, Cyrille's multilingual capabilities enhance his effectiveness in navigating international projects and collaborations, making him a valuable asset in global environments.
Notable Projects
Cyrille has played pivotal roles in numerous solar farm projects, showcasing his expertise:
- Suntop Solar Farm (190MWp): As the Project Director, he was involved in all phases from conception to successful operational deployment.
- Gunnedah Solar Farm (159MWp): Another significant role more focused on project direction, overseeing the tactical execution to meet strict timelines and regulatory frameworks.
- Western Downs Solar Farm (460MWp): As Procurement Manager, he was integral in strategizing procurement processes, ensuring materials and resources were allocated efficiently.
- Coleambally Solar Farm (189MWp) & Whitsundays Solar Farm (140MWp): As Engineering Manager, he ensured adherence to technical specifications and mitigated challenges proactively during project lifecycles.
Earlier in his career, Cyrille also made impactful contributions to the civil works sector as a design/method/estimating engineer, utilizing his analytical skills and engineering knowledge to optimize civil processes and operations.
Conclusion
As a forward-thinking professional, Cyrille de Baracé embodies the essence of innovation in renewable energy, particularly in the solar sector. His outstanding educational background, remarkable achievements across various roles, and thorough understanding of international engineering practices uniquely position him as a leader in the PV industry. With a strong commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions, Cyrille continues to drive excellence in his current role as EPC Director at Canadian Solar, promoting initiatives that align with the global energy transition and contributing to a sustainable future.
