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Lilouann Nevelstyn
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THE CAREER OF THOMAS WATTINNE: FROM ACADEMIC TO HIS ARRIVAL AT CIEL & TERRE
Today, we give the floor to Thomas Wattinne, Head of Operations and Development, where he focuses on developing the ASEAN floating solar market. He began his career as a technical designer at Ciel & Terre Taiwan. Over the years, Thomas successfully redirected his professional path toward product and market analysis, before moving further into business and market development across South-East Asia. In this article, discover how his skills and experiences led him to this region.
What is your academic background?
I hold a master’s degree in general engineering. I graduated from ICAM Engineering School in 2018, in Lille, France. My studies covered electrical and mechanical engineering, business management and humanities. This mix gave me a broad and adaptable engineering mindset.
During this master’s degree, I also completed one academic semester at Wrexham University in the UK. There, I focused on engineering systems modelling, sustainable design and innovation. This experience strengthened my interest in renewable energy and international environments.
What was your professional background before joining Ciel & Terre?
Before joining Ciel & Terre, my background was maily technical. I had early exposure to engineering projects, sustainability and renewable energy systems during my master’s studies.
My journey at Ciel & Terre began when I was looking to apply my engineering background to a solution with a real and measurable impact on the energy transition. Additionally, during my first years at Ciel & Terre in Taiwan, I was eager to learn more about the renewable development activities. I took part in online lessons and completed the Certified Renewable Energy Project Developer program at RENAC, based in Berlin. The courses covered project finance, valuation methodologies, support mechanisms and large-scale PV system planning.
WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO JOIN THE COMPANY AND HOW DID IT BEGIN?
Focus on his career advancement
How has your role evolved since you joined Ciel & Terre?
I joined Ciel & Terre Taiwan in early 2018 as technical designer, assisting engineers in the follow-up of floating solar projects throughout Taiwan, by taking part in solar design, on-site construction and project management activities.
I was later hired at Ciel & Terre Taiwan, as a project engineer and took part in more than 15 projects over 2.5 years. During this time, I worked on pre‑feasibility studies, detailed engineering, technical due diligence and cost assessments and optimisations for FPV projects. I also acted as the main interface between stakeholders and supported sales and project teams by preparing technical and commercial offers. In addition, I managed the design team and provided on‑site engineering support, in close coordination with R&D and Engineering teams in France.
Later, after my relocation in France within R&D, I became increasingly involved in international project support, where all Ciel & Terre business units required specific attention. Indeed, I was in charge to support product technical adaptation based on local regulations and project-specific constraints, which are critical to succeed.
This exposure led me to take on a more transversal role combining engineering expertise, project coordination and market understanding.
Changbin#1 with Construction team
What is your favourite project that you had encountered and what made it so impactful?
I would say that one of my impactful projects was Changbin #1, a tremendous 88-MWp project in Taiwan. It was one of the largest floating solar plants when we started construction in 2019. I took part in the project from the early design phases through to its deployment.
Then, of course within the Research & Development (R&D) department in France, I worked on early market specifications for new products and innovative solutions, such as the ones released on the market last year: Fusio® & WattRack®. This experience strengthened my ability to support projects from a more strategic and business-oriented perspective, promoting innovation thanks to technical market analysis.
Discover our structures
Exploring the multicultural and diversified career of Thomas Wattinne at Ciel & Terre
What major challenges have you faced throughout this international transition, and how did you overcome them?
At first, in Taiwan, one of the biggest challenges was overcoming language barriers, my Chinese lessons during university helped a lot, I was able to improve my language skills thanks to additional support from my colleagues.
Another challenge was working with tight deadlines, which could reflect the fast pace often found in those growing economies in Southeast Asia. By prioritizing tasks, solving issues steps by steps and staying organized, it was made possible to adapt to this environment.
Finally, from an international project perspective, I would say that the cultural difference also plays a significant role in the way technical discussions are conducted. How risks are addressed and even how timelines are perceived. Overtime, I learned that adjusting the approach and clarifying in depth the request or message are essential to ensuring smooth collaboration and project alignment.
What do you particularly like about being abroad and working in another country?
What I particularly enjoy about working abroad is the opportunity to experience and adapt to different cultures. Which I found both personally and professionnaly enriching. Being exposed to new environments broadens your perspective and often leads you to approach challenges in different and more open ways.
Relocating to another country requires developing a strong sense of autonomy and resilience. You have to take initiative and be comfortable operating in complex, fast-moving environments, which is very stimulating.
I enjoy navigating cultural differences and stepping out of my comfort zone. Whether in communication or in ways of working. Those experiences have helped me strengthen my ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and build strong working relationships across borders.
What motivated your decision to relocate to Singapore and continue your career there?
Relocating to Singapore was mainly motivated by the dynamic environment and the opportunities for market development offered by ASEAN region. After my experience in Taiwan, I was keen to return to Asia, where decision for innovation and renewable energy is moving fast.
Today, as Head of Operations & Development in ASEAN, my focus is on developing the activities of Ciel & Terre across Southeast Asia. It includes structuring our approach, supporting technically and commercially floating solar projects developments, and coordinating the team for product implementation.
Career advice for international opportunities
What advice would you give to someone who is willing to work abroad?
My main advice would be to stay adaptable, open minded and curious about how others think and work. Language skills help, of course, but mindset is just as important than willing to understand cultural differences and adjust your approach.
If you embrace new experiences and remain open to people around you, working abroad becomes both professionally and personally rewarding.
FLOATING SOLAR PERSPECTIVES FOR CIEL & TERRE IN THE ASEAN MARKET WITH THOMAS WATTINNE
How do you see the ASEAN floating solar market evolving over the next few years?
The ASEAN region is very dynamic and we see agreat potential for growth. Many countries are accelerating their energy transition and are increasingly open to innovative renewable solutions.
Most opportunities for floating solar are located on dam reservoirs where large unused water is available and co-location with hydroelectric power plants could work efficiently.
What are Ciel & Terre’s objectives in ASEAN?
Ciel & Terre’s objective is to establish a strong presence in ASEAN and to position our innovative FUSIO® technology as the reference for floating solar solutions for utility-scale projects in the region. FUSIO® is technically adapted to local requirements, environmentally friendly and economically competitive, which is essential in price-sensitive markets.
ASEAN is often viewed as a single market, but it is made up of very different countries, each with its own regulations, market maturity and stakeholder expectations. This means our approach is adapted country by country rather than standardized across the region.
2026 marks the 20th anniversary of Ciel & Terre, founded in 2006, and in parallel, I will celebrate my 8 years in the company! Times flies so fast when you have a passionate job!
Discover Fusio® technology
By Thomas, Head of Operations & Development
& Lilouann, marketing
The post From project management in Taiwan to the development of the ASEAN floating solar market appeared first on Ciel et Terre.