EDF and the CNRS Strengthen Their Scientific Partnership

This framework agreement, which structures scientific collaboration between the two organisations, aims to address scientific challenges in the energy sector. It enables the sharing of human and financial resources with the CNRS’s 10 thematic institutes to develop innovative research across a wide range of fields, including low-carbon electricity generation, energy storage, energy efficiency and management, and the evolution of electricity systems.

The goal is to accelerate the development of cost-effective, efficient solutions and contribute to the emergence of high-performance technologies for tomorrow’s energy mix, with a view to achieving carbon neutrality in France by 2050.

In many respects, this partnership highlights the importance of collaboration between academic and industrial research.

EDF R&D and the CNRS have long been key partners, working together in particular through joint research structures.

The IPVF, the Île-de-France Photovoltaic Institute, was inaugurated in 2018. The research programme of this Institute for the Energy Transition (ITE) aims to develop breakthrough photovoltaic technologies, enabling the sector to make an even greater contribution to the energy transition alongside other low-carbon energy sources. This unique model brings together researchers from both the public and private sectors, including EDF, TOTAL, AIR LIQUIDE, RIBER, HORIBA, the CNRS and École Polytechnique, around a shared roadmap.

IMSIA, the Institute of Mechanics and Industrial Applications, brings together EDF, the CNRS, the CEA and ENSTA ParisTech within a Joint Research Unit (UMR). Its purpose is to address industrial and societal challenges relating to the mechanics and durability of complex structures and systems in the fields of energy, transport and defence. It provides another model for collaboration between academia, research centres and industry.

The 4evLab laboratory is a joint research laboratory established by EDF, the CNRS and La Rochelle University. It focuses on the energy and environmental performance of cities, with key research areas including air quality, humidity control, urban environment modelling and large-scale façade testing facilities.

The CNRS and EDF are also members of the Seism Institute, whose mission is to bring together the expertise of its partners in seismic risk and which aims to become an internationally recognised centre of excellence in this field. The Seism Institute is a scientific interest group established by the CEA, EDF, CentraleSupélec, ENS Paris-Saclay and the CNRS.

EDF and the CNRS have also jointly filed patents. The most recent ones relate to photovoltaic technology and electricity storage.

Several patents specifically concern the characterisation of photovoltaic panels. These patented innovations enable the properties of these panels to be measured with great precision, with the aim of improving their efficiency and extending their service life. EDF R&D and the CNRS have also jointly filed several patents aimed at significantly improving the performance of water electrolysis and fuel cell processes.

Each year, numerous PhD projects are launched at EDF R&D in collaboration with the CNRS to address scientific challenges in the energy sector, particularly those relating to low-carbon energy production and uses.

Key scientific events, such as the Climate Day, which involved the CNRS, also provide opportunities to share knowledge between academic and industrial researchers and engage with the wider scientific community on major societal issues.

Avec ce nouvel accord-cadre, le CNRS et EDF envisagent également plusieurs pistes pour renforcer leur collaboration. Les départements de recherche de la R&D d'EDF se proposent d’accueillir des chercheurs CNRS sur des missions de longue durée, une manière pour EDF de renforcer la qualité scientifique de ses équipes et pour les chercheurs du CNRS de mieux comprendre les problématiques industrielles du Groupe.

Par ailleurs, le CNRS et EDF souhaitent mener ensemble une réflexion sur des thématiques de recherche à long terme, afin de mieux anticiper des ruptures technologiques potentielles.