EDF Innovation LAB, USA

[This animated film presents EDF Innovation Lab in North America, whose mission is to explore new markets, disruptive technologies, and build partnerships in the U.S. to support EDF Group’s innovation and decarbonization goals.] 

Our mission

To explore

• New markets
• innovative businesses,
• and disruptive technologies for EDF Group in North America

To leverage innovation

To the Silicon Valley and more broadly in the US, to build local partnerships.

Our activities

Energy markets
Capacity mix - Risks - Climate resiliency

Smart Grid & Automation
DER Control - Flexibility for grid - GeneSys

Electric Mobility
EV Flexibility - Smart charging - New Services

Customer solutions
Smart Home - 24/7 CFE - Offers

Net Zero Carbon solutions
H2 - e-fuel - CCS/CCUS - industry decarbonization

Digital
Blockchain - Quantum - AI

Open Innovation

EDF Innovation Lab works closely with EDF Group’s other R&D sites in France and around the world.

More information on edf.fr/en/research

Researchers from France and around the world takes us to meet Olivier Deneux, Open Innovation Manager at EDF Innovation Lab, USA.

Olivier Deneux: Hello everyone, my name is Olivier Deneux and I am responsible for Open Innovation and the Energy Markets team at the US center, based in California, in the heart of Silicon Valley. I’m going to take you with me to discover what we do here.

The Axiom

Question: How did you come to hold your current position?

Olivier Deneux: I joined about two years ago, initially to support the Energy Markets team. I had already spent quite a few years working in energy economics and market economics. They were looking for someone with my background to strengthen this area of expertise.

Little by little, my responsibilities evolved when I had the opportunity to take over and redefine the activities around Open Innovation.

So this gives me a fairly broad range of activities and responsibilities here at the US center.

The Intersection

Question: What made you choose this path?

Olivier Deneux: I had already been here 15 years ago. I graduated from Stanford with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and when I returned to France to join EDF R&D, I never imagined I would come back here. Then the opportunity came up again. After giving it some thought, here I am, embarking once again on this adventure, spending a few years working as an expatriate in California.

The Center

Question: Can you describe it and explain its missions?

Olivier Deneux: I am right at the heart of an incredible ecosystem: Silicon Valley, start-ups, countless ideas, world-renowned universities, researchers, Nobel Prize winners and investment funds. This entire ecosystem is an incredible opportunity for me because we are here in California, at this US center.

We have three expatriates and two VIE international volunteers, so that makes at least five French people. On top of that, we have local employees, who are naturally American, but not exclusively. And, as you can imagine, having such a diverse range of nationalities within a small team of 15 creates a truly rewarding multicultural environment.

And if there is one thing that particularly stands out, I would say it is that people here are passionate about cleantech, climate change and the impact they can make through their day-to-day work.

Finding the Balance

Question: Passions and work-life balance

Olivier Deneux: In my opinion, what is particularly important in an expatriate experience is not just the work aspect, but also knowing how to make the most of what living in a foreign country has to offer. We are lucky to be in California, not far from San Francisco, a city that really vibrates with energy. Another advantage of being here is the incredible range of outdoor activities. There are dozens of amazing parks. And, of course, surfing. How could you come to California without trying surfing? That is also what makes this experience abroad, in California and at this US Lab, truly exceptional.

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