Charles Devaux
Project and Construction Manager – Solar PV & BESS | Japan (APAC)
Delivering utility-scale renewable energy projects from development through construction, with a focus on EPC structuring, grid integration, and portfolio execution.
Executive Summary
Project Manager with 6+ years of experience delivering solar PV and battery energy storage (BESS) projects in Japan. Proven track record in managing multi-site portfolios, structuring EPC contracts, and coordinating technical design between Japanese and international engineering teams.
Strong expertise in the development process from project feasibility evaluation to cost-driven project execution. Bridges engineering and commercial decision-making to deliver bankable projects.
Professional Experience
Peak Energy Japan
- Managing a portfolio of ~50 MW across 25+ solar PV sites, including co-located BESS systems (~40 MWh).
- Leading EPC tendering, technical scope definition, and commercial evaluation across multiple projects.
- Coordinating with international engineering teams to develop optimised system designs and layouts, through on-site visits and drone surveying.
- Supporting project development teams across ground mount, carport, and rooftop projects in assessing site feasibility and potential.
- Structuring project BoQs and cost breakdowns to enable consistent cross-EPC comparison and procurement decisions.
Shizen Engineering
- Managed the EPC contracting and construction of a 44 MW PV project in Fukushima, Japan.
- Managed EPC subcontractors from design through construction phases, including scheduling and cost control.
- Coordinated communication between the developer and the EPC through regular reporting and close client-focused collaboration.
- Coordinated engineering deliverables including layouts, SLDs, and technical specifications.
Shift Energy Japan
- Conducted site feasibility assessments using UAV surveys, LiDAR, and GIS analysis.
- Produced detailed layouts using AutoCAD and Civil 3D.
- Supported early-stage development through terrain analysis, shading studies, and yield optimisation.
- Built geospatial workflows to improve site evaluation accuracy and speed.
- Supported company expansion through training of new joiners, creation of marketing material and 3D site visualisation for fundraising, and accompanying potential investors on site visits.
- IT manager.
Technical Skills
Project & Commercial
- EPC Contracting & Tendering
- Portfolio Management (Multi-site PV/BESS)
- Cost Structuring & BoQ Standardization
- Schedule & Risk Management
Engineering
- PV System Design (Utility-scale)
- Feasibility & Yield Analysis
Digital & Tools
- ArcGIS / QGIS
- AutoCAD / Civil 3D
- LiDAR & UAV Survey Processing
- Excel (Advanced, Power Query)
- Coding and custom tool creation (Web UI for in-house tools)
Languages
- French: Native
- English: Fluent (daily professional use)
- Japanese: Intermediate (meetings, technical coordination, site visits)
- Spanish: Intermediate (conversational)
Education
KEDGE Business School
MBA – Strategic Management and Human Resources
Master thesis: Managing creative people.
Early Career
- Asteroid Day – Project Support (Internal coordination and marketing)
- Agnès b. – Operations & Logistics