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SunPartner, a start-up of Aix-en-Provence (Bouches-du-Rhone) specializes in solar energy, has signed a partnership with the Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) to develop and build a demonstrator of the second generation of photovoltaic power plant at low concentration. SunPartner has already shown with the development by its subsidiary Wysips a transparent film photovoltaics to recharge his mobile in the sun.

The project developed by its subsidiary Axiosun with CEA and one of its laboratories, the Institute Liten, specializing in new energy and nanotechnology, will compete with conventional photovoltaic market is now taken in a squeeze between fierce competition from China and declining subsidies in France and other European countries.

"The solar modules are not the optimal solution. Concentration yields lower costs by 20% to the cost of panels Chinese "and thus become competitive, says Ludovic Deblois, the founding president of SunPartner. Photovoltaic power plants developed by Axiosun make it possible to focus with concave mirrors up to 12 times the sun's rays, which reduces the cell size implemented for the same energy. In addition, advance Ludovic Deblois, these modules retain a high yield of about 19%, despite the increase in temperature due to the concentration, whereas with the standard modules, the yield decreases by 1 or 2% per degree additional.

Reduce costs

Axiosun is positioned in the segment of small and medium power (to drive a company, a village or small town) in area to strong sunlight.

He installed the first plant at low concentration in France in Saint-Cannat near Aix-en-Provence and two in Morocco. The issue of partnership with the CEA signed for three years with a budget of 2.2 million is to improve the technology. The objective is to achieve a cost per kWh up to 40% lower than with a central ground to conventional panels. One key is the development of a manufacturing process to local costs well below Chinese costs by investing ten times lower.

The project is part of the proposed City of energies, initiated earlier this year by CEA Cadarache, near Aix-en-Provence. This platform of several dozen hectares is home to companies that CEA helps innovate and where demonstrators can be built. Axiosun going to make a pilot. Eight other partnerships have been forged by the CEA for a total of 26 million euros, including a solar desalination unit developed with Veolia.

"Our bet is that innovation makes it possible to reduce costs at all stages of production, to make solar competitive," says Pierre Joubert, head of the antenna to the direction of technological research, CEA Cadarache. "On the technology concentration, there is no viable competitors. Our goal is to develop a sector in France. "

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Ikea for 30 years would have dreamed, best advertising. But a month after the revelation of illegal policing practices of employees and customers by Chained Duck and Mediapart, the direction of Ikea France wants to show it has taken stock of the situation. Vanoverbeke Stefan, head of the French subsidiary of the Swedish furniture giant yesterday presented its action plan and its working group to improve the image of the group being undermined by the discovery of internal mails mentioning the use of private detectives and the font file. Activities that led to Ikea France sidelined several top executives, including Jean-Louis Baillot, CEO of the subsidiary at the relevant time. "An internal audit by an independent firm has established that there had been research practices of information not consistent with our values. This is unacceptable and I regret it, "said Stefan Vanoverbeke. The current owner is careful however to discuss the future of the people involved to "preserve the presumption of innocence" and leave the floor of Versailles, seized by the CFDT union, do his job. "It is up to judges to say what is illegal or not. We just want to cooperate, "he said.

A pilot initiative

And as proof of his goodwill, Ikea France, which has already seen its headquarters raided and visited by the CNIL (National Data Protection Authority) in its stores, plans to give the prosecution the findings of its internal audit. But it is mostly a working basis for a group of four managers responsible for "strengthening the values ​​and ethical standards." "It's not an excuse but it does not direct a company of 10,000 employees as a company that has only 500 easy payday loans. The findings of the survey showed us that our way of working no longer fit our size, "explains Stefan Vanoverbeke.

Ikea already had a code of conduct but the group had been working to develop a global charter. Irregularities discovered in France gave a good boost to the initiative, even if the boss of Ikea France considers that there is "no reason to believe that such practices occurred in other countries where group is established. " No investigation has been carried out elsewhere. "France will be a pilot," he says. Beginning in June, the working group should thus be able to make concrete proposals for reforming corporate governance, support managers and staff, recruitment of technical change but also monitor compliance with the group values . "We developed this action plan because we want to act quickly to give answers to our employees, social partners and customers. But we hope that these answers are of quality, "says the CEO that all employees of the group can now contact directly by e-mail. For clients, Stefan Vanoverbeke remains attentive to comments left on forums where he received "varying degrees of concern." Not enough empty stores nor sinking sales, however.

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"Kleftes! Thieves! "The insults burst forth in the processions of anti-austerity protesters in the streets of Athens these days. The Greeks win against a political class accused of making no sacrifice while officials have seen their wages blend of 20% and expects the same treatment as private sector employees. MPs in particular are accused of refusing to lower their pay by 10% at the height of the crisis in 2011.

"Until now, politicians have not been transparent about their incomes and citizens suspect that considerable sums are spent for miscellaneous expenses, or that MPs employ family members as assistants," says Nick Malkoutzis a, journalist with the daily Kathimerini.

The Easter bonus deleted

MEPs, however, made a few sacrifices. The 13th and 14th month salaries were eliminated, as in the rest of the civil service in 2010. Last July, the attendance fee paid for participation in a meeting of the 34 parliamentary committees was reduced to 150 euros, against 245 euros before. Premiums Easter, Christmas and holidays have been removed, additional taxes created. These measures have melted the monthly salary of 3375 euros per head on average, according to elected officials.

Parliament said today that the gross monthly salary now stands at 8,221 euros, 4,231 euros after taxes. Are aligned with the highest salaries of public service. In comparison, a French MEP wins 5189.17 euros net. Still, the Greek Parliament plans to spend 34.2 million euros in 2012 for salaries, including bonuses and other compensation. What assure members a sum of 9500 euros per month, plus office and secretarial included.

The difference, ultimately, does not seem huge with the situation before rigor sets. Last December, Parliament has in fact published on its website, for a few days, the tax returns for 2009 of 300 MPs. It was to answer charges of opacity.

Income gaps

Salaries, allowances, current accounts, real estate, and other financial transactions in this document. It shows that in 2009, elected a ten won more than 9,000 euros per month through its sole parliamentary activity. What must be added, for some, a second salary (in Greece, one elected is entitled to retain his original job posting) as well as income potential spouse. Then the gaps widen between the richer members of the assembly (six of them earned more than 33,000 euros per month) and more modest, saying some 2,025 euros monthly income for their household.

"While the debate on the wages of 300 Deputies Greek is symbolic. They represent only three thousandths of the state budget. But the political class has missed the opportunity to cut its own salaries along with those officials, two years ago, analyzing the Greek-Swiss historian Nikolas Bloudanis. It would have been a symbolic gesture extremely important. "Times are changing: this week, for the first time, an elected, Dora Bakoyannis, head of the small liberal party New Democracy (four members), has proposed halving the salaries of parliamentarians .

How much do Greek political leaders

George Papandreou. Photo credits: JOHN KOLESIDIS / REUTERS

Sudden weakness of the single currency. The meeting between Nicolas Sarkozy, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the new Italian Prime Mario Monti yesterday in Strasbourg has not convinced the markets. Shortly after their meeting, the euro fell against the dollar: it fell from 1.338 before the dollar to 1.332 dollar tripartite summit after the conference. And the single currency falling off again this morning it is trading at 1.3309 against the dollar, its lowest level since Oct. 6.

Same movement in the markets. European shares erased their gains shortly after the summit and the moral is not looking good this morning in Asia. In addition, the cost of borrowing countries in the euro area rose: Italian rate to 10 years treated with 7.1%, a level considered unsustainable in the long term for highly indebted countries.

An oil close to $ 100

Oil markets have returned to their highest in the summer of last week. In New York, a barrel of light sweet crude for December delivery ended the week and to 93.32 dollars, pocketing 11.5% in five days, while in London, Brent crude gained 4% over the same period at 110.02 dollars. These levels were no longer observed since last August.

This surge is due to the euphoria that followed the agreement on a plan to end the crisis in Europe. As the equity markets, the announcements of European leaders were welcomed by a jump in current operators rejecting the idea of ​​"economic calamity," said John Kilduff, of Again Capital. In addition, China's second largest consumer of oil in the world, issued a manufacturing PMI at highest level in five months.U.S. GDP also rose by 2.5% yoy in the third quarter and increased consumer spending by American households has accelerated in September to 0.6%. Another factor is bullish: "There are investors who claim that the Americans withdraw from Iraq, it will add to the volatility in the Middle East. It was also the new regime in Libya during a test, "noted Rich Ilczyszyn, MF Global no faxing payday loans.

The higher prices could have been even stronger if there had been publishing a weekly report on bad stocks Wednesday. Surprised, analysts questioned the causes of such weekly increase, especially imports have continued to slow in recent weeks. Phil Flynn, analyst at PFG Best Research, put forward a hypothesis: "the oil accelerated their pace to arrive before the hurricane Rina.The metal was also supported by the ongoing tensions in the global supply. Thus, the American Freeport-McMoRan said Wednesday the "force majeure" for its Grasberg mine in Indonesia (site producing between 3% and 4% of world supply), paralyzed from mid-September by a violent strike.

Aluminium was supported by a decline in world stocks (5% in September, its lowest level since December). The course is finished in 2221 dollars per tonne (3.6% for the week). Tin is always paid by the interruption of exports from Indonesia (30% of world production of tin), decided in early October by domestic producers in order to trace the course. The stocks of this metal on the LME have since decreased by 21%. Classes end at 21,870 dollars (0.55%).

"The euro is a rock against the crisis. "This declaration of Gylfi Arnbjornsson, President of Iceland's largest union, released in turmoil in the euro area, out of place. "While a small floating national currency increases the flexibility and affects employees," he insists. Bryndis, she does not believe more in the EU and the euro area. "It does not work. The crown, however, allowed us to emerge quickly from the crisis, "said the young woman, who works in a bookstore, very committed to the sovereignty of his country. These two strong views illustrate the gap between pro-and anti-Europe.

Iceland began on June 27 last formal negotiations to enter the European Union. At the end, Icelanders will vote in a referendum.The challenge for the small island in the far north that is just three years of severe recession, is to join the single currency.

The debate in Reykjavik is far from settled, including the center-left coalition government, like the Minister of Economy Social Democratic supporter of the euro and its counterpart of Finance defends the virtues of the crown.

"The devaluation of over 40% has boosted the competitiveness of our exports. The gain exceeds the final cost. Unemployment would have been much worse, "says Green Minister Steingrimur Sigfusson. With two key economic sectors: aluminum and fishing account for 80% of exports. In this land swept by the waters and winds so imposing nature, the farm lobby and fishing make their voices heard. They reject the decisions of Brussels and its quotas.Yet, in fact, Iceland is already integrated into the European Union.

The case "Icesave" three years ago that poisons relations with Great Britain and the Netherlands also maintained Euroscepticism. The State has spent 15% of GDP to save its national banks but refused to compensate the foreign customers of the bank Icesave, bankruptcy. An early decision of the European Court of Justice could force Reykjavik to set the slate of 8 billion euros. "The bank Landsbanki has the means to repay by selling its assets revalued since the crisis," said the minister.

Indebtedness

Three years to regain control of the IMF, the economy drastically, radical restructuring of the banks have put the country on track for growth, helped by a crown devalued no faxing pay day loans.In the field, if the maintenance of a welfare state and the strength of social ties, related to the geography of the place and its small population, have reduced the impact, the crisis is far from over. Reflecting Hildigunnur Sverrisdottir, 35, architect, married with three children. "We are living a nightmare, every month, our debts pile up, we have no visibility and perspective," she confesses.

This family alone synthesizes all the symptoms of the crisis Iceland: Hidlig lost his job after the explosion of the housing bubble, the couple bought a house at full price. They chose a loan in foreign currency – yen, Swiss franc and euro – more attractive as deemed stable and offering lower interest rates. This not to mention local specificity to index mortgages on inflation, which reached its highest, 18%.Result, many Icelanders have seen the value of their loans soar. "In my generation, everyone has lost an average of 10 million crowns," says Hubert Koziet, who suffered a pay cut and an increase of one third of its credit.

Unable to repay their credit, Hidlig and her husband were offered a government program, reserved for owners 13 .500, which is to cap credit 110% of the value of the dwelling and convert crown. "We do not know what to do, we are still negotiating with our bank, we do not rule out leaving the country. Many of our friends, architect, engineer, accountant … went to Denmark and the United States. "

Counter the brain drain and attract new investment, are the future challenges for sustainable growth in Iceland. Because the economy remains crippled by capital controls and political instability.Ironically, today is not money that is lacking in the small island – banks are full of capital that the Icelanders and businesses could exfiltrer abroad – but it suffers from a lack of confidence in the future and the political elites.

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Controllers return to work gradually. After La Rochelle and Paris Sud Est (Gare de Lyon), several sites have voted Friday morning to return to work, like Bordeaux, Reims, Chambery, Dijon, Lyon, St Etienne, Toulouse or Besancon. Other websites should take a similar decision at general meetings planned in the afternoon. The management of the SNCF

Many controllers SNCF had exercised their right to withdraw on Thursday afternoon to work after the announcement of the attack on a colleague on a train on the Corail Lyon-Strasbourg. In an interview with Figaro.fr, the president of the SNCF appealed to the coolness of the railway to resume work soon and would discuss with the unions to turn.Management has undertaken to present an emergency plan with the security services.

Traffic TGV, Corail and TER is still disrupted, although the situation has improved significantly over the entire network, including 8-9 in 10 TGV from and to Paris and a TER of 2. To find out if their train is running, users are encouraged to consult regularly Infolignes site, or call toll free (free from a landline) 0805 90 36 35 credit score.

Toll and information site

SNCF always invites customers to delay their trip or take alternate means of transportation. Ticket holders whose train was canceled may obtain a refund, or take any train leaving for the same destination without the need to exchange their ticket. Good news however for users Transilien (train network in the Île-de-France), the Thalys and Eurostar.Traffic on these lines is normal according to SNCF.

"There is no point in penalizing travelers"

The strike controller led Thursday the cancellation of all trains at night, and created a big mess all over the country. According to the station, all passengers stranded at the station in the evening were able to reach their destination or were assisted to find accommodation for the night. According to the Ministry of the Interior, it was not necessary to set up emergency housing plan.
Board trains at the Gare Saint-Charles in Marseille. Photo credits: GERARD JULIEN / AFP

"Television will become the media on which the user will find all the services he needs, including health," said Philippe Delahaye, president of Toshiba Systems France. For nearly a year and for another six months, the Japanese tests, with the support of the General Council of Bas-Rhin, a service called Demeter and home support for elderly dependents.

The system set up involves monitoring remote computer. But not to frighten the people involved, the main unit is television, connected to the Internet. "The equipment costs about 6,000 euros full, two months' rent in a nursing home," said Philip Bell, general manager of Toshiba-Cebea, a subsidiary of Toshiba dedicated services.This includes television and home automation equipment, including a smoke detector, a wristband alarm in case of fall and appliances suitable for pathology (blood pressure, diabetes control …). Then, the service costs 200 euros per month, including Internet access.

"This allows medical personnel to perform remote controls, but also the patient to easily get in touch with family members through a videoconferencing system on the TV," said Philip Bell. Medical staff and the senior may also contact by mail, through an electronic pen. Just write on a single sheet, the text is automatically entered and the e-mail sent when the pen is rested on its base low interest rate personal loans. Forms to the attention of nurses and doctors have also been developed: just check the right boxes with the electronic pen and they are added to the medical record.It also allows for monitoring of medication, food … "We found that health staff was not comfortable with a keyboard, where the idea of ​​electronic pen, said Philip Bell . We are also working to develop a speech recognition system. "

Recurring revenues

For Toshiba, the objective is to develop this service at the national level but also in other countries. Japan pays attention to the experience of Alsace. Beyond the societal issues related to aging, a new economic model that is emerging. This type of service should allow the manufacturer to generate recurring revenue through subscriptions.

"The rise of the TV connected through the development of local services," added Philippe Delahaye.Most TVs sold today by Toshiba can be connected to the Internet, or consumers do not always use this function. By bringing seniors to the technology, Toshiba is not only the population but also those around them: Health care workers, children and grandchildren.

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Prevention rather than cure. Monday, Pierre-Henri Gourgeon, CEO of Air France, met with unions to prepare them for a more austere than expected return. Deemed "constructive" by the company management, the meeting was to "share" a moody vision of the coming months, which will result in a strengthening economy measures probably formalized in October after the committee Strategic Air France-KLM.

In 2010-2011, Air France announced a cost reduction of nearly 600 million euros. This time, no figures were mentioned. But Monday, Pierre-Henri Gourgeon spoke of "the lack of visibility" on the economic and spoke of the "specter of recession."

No to social at first. A voluntary redundancy scheme has indeed completed at Air France. In two years, the company lost 10% of its workforce.It is not clear that new candidates would raise his finger when a window was open initially. "We should make use of unwanted departures. Now we want to respect the social contract of the company, "said one member of management. Yet behind the scenes, some trade unionists believe that a cost reduction plan will not be enough: "If growth is not to go, plan on removing items from 5,000 to 10,000 is to be feared," stated Monday a trade unionist. Air France has 58,000 employees.

"We will target the fixed-term contracts and temporary contracts and make greater use of outsourcing," lists a spokesman. The hiring freeze, eased in recent months again become very strict.But the recruitment of drivers provided as part of the opening of bases from province to Marseille, Nice, Toulouse and Bordeaux should not be affected payday loans.

Air France will ask all departments to review their budget down. Each manager will be responsible for making proposals in this direction, allowing a second step to calculate the new plan to reduce costs. Another source of savings, reduced capacity of the company, that is to say the removal of flights. After the announcement in late July from a reduction in the growth of long-haul traffic during the winter, is now expected to do the same during the summer of 2012.

In ten days of the announcement of his mégacommande of long-haul aircraft, shared with KLM, the management of Air France said that his austerity plan, however, should not affect aircraft deliveries.

The arrival of Alitalia

A new period of turbulence looks while the current management of Air France to start his estate. The prospective dolphins Pierre-Henri Gourgeon shall take the levers when the profitability of the company has won compared to that of its major European competitors such as Lufthansa or IAG (involving British Airways and Iberia). For its part Lufthansa said on Monday it would sell its subsidiary to British Midlands, which allowed him to gain a foothold in London.

Air France-KLM does not transfer. The Franco-Dutch group is preparing for a majority stake in Alitalia.

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