SEM Les Sables d’Olonne Développement
Partner Profile
SEM Les Sables d’Olonne Développement (SEM LSOD) is the economic development agency of the Les Sables d’Olonne Agglomeration area. It was established in 2016, at the initiative of local elected representatives and businesses from the territory (EDO).
Until 31 July 2025, the share capital of the SEM was structured as follows:
- “Entreprises des Olonnes” Association (EDO): 15%
- Agglomeration Community: 70%
- City of Les Sables d’Olonne: 15%
The SEM relies on a committed and structured team of six members, dedicated to territorial development.
Its missions cover the full economic lifecycle: welcoming and supporting project leaders and businesses, structuring key sectors, supporting local development policies, managing and promoting business zones, and leading promotion and communication actions. Through these operational missions, the SEM acts as a central, agile and transversal tool serving the economic, social and environmental ambitions of the territory.
A new Multi-Activity SEM
In 2025, the SEM reaches a clear turning point. It moves beyond its initial role as an attractiveness agency and takes on the responsibilities of an economic operator. This shift responds to increasing pressure on land availability and public finances, which calls for new ways of delivering projects. Designed to operate through public-private partnerships, the Multi-Activity SEM, prepared since 2023 and formalised in July 2025, offers a pragmatic framework to carry out projects of general interest while preserving public oversight.
Becoming a Multi-Activity SEM reshapes the organisation’s field of action. Its role is no longer limited to business support or coordination. It can now intervene directly in land and real-estate operations, manage development and construction projects, and contribute to the energy and ecological transition, including in the maritime and nautical sectors. This change is underpinned by a substantial recapitalisation, which gives the SEM the financial capacity and credibility required to structure public-private projects over the long term.
Key projects and inspirations
Jourdain Programm
The Jourdain Programm is a pioneering environmental initiative aimed at reusing treated wastewater to produce high-quality drinking water.
As the first project of its kind in Europe, it embodies the region’s commitment to preserving water resources and adapting to climate change. By closing the water cycle locally, the project represents a major step forward in sustainable water management and the ecological resilience of coastal communities.
Thalassothermy project
The Enerplage initiative is deploying an innovative thalasso-thermie network that harnesses the thermal energy from seawater to heat 17 public and private buildings.
The system captures the heat in drained seawater, then uses heat pumps to upgrade it to usable temperatures, thereby supplying a low-carbon, local and renewable heating source. With a total investment of about €8.42 million, the project is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by 69% over the baseline and achieve cost payback in 8–12 years.
SEM LSOD Atlantic Bridges Project Manager
Raphaël Granel de Solignac
raphael.granel-de-solignac@lsodeveloppement.fr