Following the success of the 2017 and 2018 editions, which took place at the Grande Halle de la Villette in Paris and faced with the on-going health crisis, the EDF group's Electric Days change dimension and are reinvented to offer a live and 100% digital experience on December 1st 2020. An event to discover the innovations developed by the Group and our partners, to follow live talks by prestigious international speakers, to exchange, build together thanks to the networking opportunities made possible by digital, to promote start-ups and all players striving towards carbon neutrality with us. Electric Days, Digital Experience is the event for innovating energy change.

As we are facing an unprecedented global pandemic, Michelle Bachelet takes us behind the scenes of the United Nations to understand the geopolitical and social-economic issues directly linked to climate change and its impact on populations. Energy plays a major role in this humanitarian and environmental challenge.

The Inno4graph project is developing a set of tools and methods that will be used for decommissioning graphite nuclear reactors. Using digital simulation tools, in particular 3D modelling of decommissioning scenarios, the project will make it easier to understand and control graphite-related risks. The models resulting from these tools and methods will then be tested in EDF's industrial demonstration unit near the Chinon power plant. The project will also involve an educational programme to train operators.

Project developed by Graphitech and Cyclife DS, subsidiaries of the EDF group, and in partnership with CEA, Enresa, Sogin.

EDF subsidiary Exaion guides B2B customers on their high-performance computing and blockchain technology projects, with a unique, environmentally-responsible approach. Exaion offers three services: Cloud computing for supercomputers, Blockchain as a Service, and finally, container-hosted data centres based in France. Exaion provides solutions that are both powerful and accessible, not to mention less energy-greedy.

Innovation developed by Exaion, an EDF group subsidiary.

EDF has formed a partnership with the Bel group to help it achieve net zero. This project goes all the way from audits to master plans, leading to the implementation of technical solutions, such as the installation of heat pumps, energy storage systems, renewable energy generation or intelligent energy management. At the end of the process on a pilot site, it is planned to deploy it across all the food company's sites.

Project developed by the EDF group, in partnership with Bel.

This hybrid solar power plant associates the advantages of two different technologies and meets the needs of the power grid by generating solar power that can be controlled after sundown. From concentrated solar power, it’s able to store energy, and through photovoltaic solar power it is more competitive. The advantages of each technology are thus exploited in a novel way, for a power supply that is 30% cheaper than alternatives.

Project developed by the EDF group in partnership with Masdar and Green of Africa.

The IEA has just published the 2020 edition of The World Energy Outlook, its flagship publication. Beyond the long-term modelling horizons, the report firmly focuses on the next ten years and the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on the energy sector. In such exceptional circumstances, Fatih Birol helps us explore near-term actions which could accelerate clean energy transition.

"Engaged, concerned or indifferent; where are we on the subject of climate change?" Obs'COP, the International Climate and Public Opinion Observatory of EDF and Ipsos, answers this question and presents the results of the second edition of a large-scale opinion survey, carried out in 30 countries. This barometer draws up an international inventory of knowledge, expectations and levels of public engagement in the face of climate change, with one objective: to identify the degree of understanding of public opinion and to specify the actions to be taken in order to protect our planet resources.

The EDF group is developing solutions to create the offices of tomorrow: virtual reality, digital mock-up, energy management algorithms, services to improve the comfort of occupants, etc. These solutions will rely on the central nervous system of the building: the Building Operating System (BOS). The BOS enables the building data to be structured and pooled. This new interoperability will make our buildings more resilient, enabling the creation of new services that meet tomorrow's needs.

Project developed by the EDF group.

This interactive 3D model allows you to take a stroll around EDF’s Sizewell C EPR power plant in the United Kingdom in augmented reality. From a computer, users can move about on a virtual version of the completed site. This powerful tool offers stakeholders the chance to see what the Sizewell C plant will look like before construction has finished, and to gain a better understanding of its impact on the landscape.

Solution developed by EDF Energy, in partnership with 3D Web Technologies Ltd.

Metroscope, a start-up, is developing a diagnostic tool for industries to improve management and maintenance. The software is based on a digital twin that reproduces the operations of the factories in real time. Just 2 years after launch, Metroscope technology is being used in power plants on both sides of the Atlantic, and is diversifying. The start-up has offices in Paris and Berlin and a presence in the United States with its partner Framatome.

Solution developed by the EDF group in partnership with Framatome.

Launched in 2019, IZI by EDF is a platform that offers both individuals and professionals a wide range of services, including home improvements and troubleshooting breakdowns. From minor repairs to energy retrofitting, IZI by EDF provides the answer to all your needs for energy savings, home comfort and safety. The EDF group created the platform through the purchase of two start-ups.

Offer developed by the EDF group in partnership with IZI Solutions and Mychauffage.com.

While the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is currently working on its Sixth Assessment Report for 2022, the scenario of a +2°C world is more than relevant. To limit global warming and its consequences, Richard Green describes the energy mixes that would make it possible to meet the challenges of a net zero future in 2050. The massive electrification of everyday uses is at the centre of these solutions.

As the world is facing unprecedented economic, health, social and environmental challenges, the energy transition opens up new prospects for stimulating more sustainable growth. There are many levers: green policy, funding, research, carbon tax, incentives, regulation, and harmonization... How could we reconcile energy transition and economic transition? There is no consensus on how to achieve this.

The EDF group regularly makes good use of data science to find solutions to costly problems. In the nuclear industry, clogging phenomena (obstruction) can incur some very expensive maintenance operations. A data science approach allows identification of the key factors leading to breakdowns, and development of operational procedures to monitor these. This enables clogging kinetics to be managed, resulting in increased security for the nuclear power plant fleet.

Project developed by the EDF group.

Smart charging is the intelligent charging of electric cars in companies and blocks of flats. In practical terms, it is a matter of initiating the charge at the right time or adapting the recharging speed to avoid costly work on the electrical installation. Izivia has therefore designed a simple, robust and scalable energy management solution that takes care of everything for you!

Solution developed by Izivia, an EDF group subsidiary.

The economic crisis that has ensued from the health crisis has led to a 140% increase in food aid requests. People who had never before been affected by economic insecurity were the first victims of lockdown living hand-to-mouth. Social supermarkets, members of the ANDES French national association for development of this type of shop, provide assistance on several levels (food, health and social). The EDF Foundation has committed financial support to the trial so that these shops will have the tools to become a lasting feature.

Project developed by the EDF Foundation in partnership with ANDES association.

The energy transition is being demonstrated in the decentralisation of the electricity sector and the development of renewable energies. For their part, customers need solutions that enable them to reduce their carbon footprint while ensuring the economic performance and resilience of their facilities. EDF relies on cutting-edge technologies to promote aggregation, the supply of green energy, self-consumption and for smart charging electric vehicles.

Solution developed by the EDF group.

To make it easier for farms to transition to low-carbon agriculture, the EDF group is working with E-Neo, Ouest Agri and Pays-de-la-Loire Regional Agricultural Chamber, to convert ICE tractors to electric. The recharging solution trialled on this project will enable the energy stored in a tractor battery to be sent back to the power grid or used for other purposes on the farm. The electrical supply will favour local renewable resources. A version using hydrogen will be studied in a second phase.

Project developed by the EDF group, in partnership with E-Neo and Ouest Agri.

From trips to trips, explorations to explorations, Jean-Louis Etienne tells us: climate change is an accelerating reality. The energy transition needs to take Goal 14 of the United Nations into account and preserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources. Concurrently, this is the subject of his next expedition to the Furious Fifties on the Southern Ocean, aboard Polar Pod, and what he invites us to discover.

EDF and the Abbé Pierre Foundation have come together to act in solidarity on behalf of fellow citizens struggling to cover the cost of their energy needs. EDF customers can, from the EDF & Moi app, make a gift to donate electricity to households most in need. EDF contributes €1 to match every euro donated by customers. Funds are used by the Abbé Pierre Foundation to pay bills or to put into place actions to prevent energy poverty in the households it supports.

Project developed by EDF, in partnership with the Abbé Pierre Foundation, Relatia, and Capgemini.

EDF is currently designing an optimised version of the EPR: the EPR2, which is easier to build and therefore more competitive. To achieve this goal, the project relies on many digital tools, making EPR2 the first "full digital" reactor. The teams initially designed the EPR2 via a 3D digital twin, before "fast forwarding it through time" using 4D. Thanks to digital technology, engineers can now visualise the stages of construction in advance to prevent potential pitfalls on the site, share reliable data in real time with industrial partners, and even check the feasibility of future operation and maintenance activities, in the best possible conditions. These innovations position the French nuclear industry at the cutting edge of technology.

Project developed by the EDF Group.

Gémo is one of the first specialised large chains to choose self-consumption. EDF supported the high street fashion chain in its project. EDF ENR installed a photovoltaic canopy in the car park of its shop in Trignac, on the French west coast. The energy generated covers 40% of the shop's needs, by storing the energy in batteries recovered from electric vehicles. Gémo is part of a pioneering approach and is reinventing its energy model!

Project developed by the EDF group, in partnership with Gémo.

Blockchain is a technology for transmitting information that is reputed to be tamper-proof. With the Mobilichain solution, electric vehicle users can connect to all types of charging stations or power sockets, whether public or private, either with their smartphone or car. This solution guarantees instant user identification, and transaction authentication.

Solution developed by the EDF group, in partnership with Enedis, Palo IT and Emblock.

Urbanomy supports public and private players in achieving their net zero goals - without compromising quality of life - in the development phase of new build or redevelopment real estate projects. At the local or regional level, Urbanomy is innovating by rethinking the consulting approach: a people-centric concept, with an integrated vision of fields of expertise ranging from energy to mobility, and the pragmatism of an operator-logic. For the Salt Cross Garden Village (Oxfordshire - UK), a new model of rural eco-village is about to emerge.

Project developed by EDF and Urbanomy.

How to meet energy needs while fully taking into account the need to preserve and strengthen ecosystems? Numerous challenges, such as ecological continuity, the protection of species and areas, the preservation of natural resources, land and forest restoration, industrial footprint reduction, etc. are to be faced. From a local to a global level, energy companies, manufacturers, associations, scientists and institutions are working together to make positive biodiversity a true component of energy transition.

The net zero goal involves more uses for electric power and increased use of low-carbon electricity. Nevertheless, some processes, particularly industrial processes, will remain intrinsically CO2 emitters. EDF is therefore developing CO2 capture and storage processes to reduce these residual emissions. This is how it is using innovation towards decarbonising industry.

Many solutions in the energy field are being studied or being tested, such as CO2 capture and storage, to meet the questions inherent in climate change. Yann LeCun sheds light on the new answers that could emerge thanks to AI, as deep neural networks are opening up new perspectives.

The Thiers Dore et Montagne local authority (Puy-de-Dôme) will provide an aquatic centre combining energy efficiency and user comfort from 2022. Users will be able to enjoy 565 m2 of pool space (sports pool, leisure pool, games, etc.) under the best conditions. The centre will use several sources of renewable and recovered energy (in particular for the pool area air system and heat from gas boilers).

Project developed by Dalkia Smart Building and Dalkia, EDF group subsidiaries, with CDR Construction, CHM Architects, KATENE, CD2I and ECIB.

The innovative Epiflex methodology enables the design of circular economy solutions optimised for industrial zones. This solution identifies the best possible technical and economic synergies between industrial sites. It is already being applied in the Dunkirk industrial-port zone in partnership with the local authority, where it provides economic and environmental benefits by reusing waste heat and setting up networks and innovative technologies.

Solution developed by EDF, in partnership with Dunkirk town council, the Port of Dunkirk, Pôleénergie, Ecopal, Agur and the CCI for Hauts-de-France.

With an intermediate power level (340 MWe) compared to current large power plants, NUWARDTM is equipped with 2 integrated and compact reactors, with a very high level of safety. Thanks to its modular architecture and standardised design, its construction will be simplified and its competitiveness increased. It will make it possible to supply decarbonised electricity to isolated regions, electricity networks not designed for higher capacities or industrial sites, for example in emerging countries. It will be an additional source of CO2-free electricity, one more option to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in many countries. EDF aims at bringing it to market in the next decade with the possibility of building a demonstration model in France.

Project developed by the EDF group and CEA, in partnership with TechnicAtome and Naval Group.

So Flex'hy is a virtual power plant on an industrial scale. It offers services and technical solutions to make optimum use of the complementary nature of hydroelectric, photovoltaic and wind power. In particular, this system makes it possible to resolve congestion on the grid and balance the grid. The flexibility of hydroelectricity supports the inclusion of variable renewable energies at regional level.

Solution developed by the EDF group, in partnership with EDF Store&Forecast, an EDF group subsidiary.

Brilliant civilizations, from the Khmer Empire to the Mayans, have disappeared and left behind the testimony of their creative ingenuity. But why did these societies collapse? Jared Diamond explains how the combined action of man on climatic and environmental factors could have led to such falls. A valuable lesson to be learnt as the greatest challenge we have to overcome is saving our planet.

Between detecting weak signals and analysing emerging trends, Amy Webb takes us on a journey to the heart of the energy future. She makes open data the key to much needed changes, by exploring a world disrupted by a multitude of technological, political and sociological opportunities and threats.

Through the acceleration of their digital transformation, administrations, institutions and companies are switching to an “open data” mode. They thus make available to the public the data necessary to imagine and develop projects, on an individual and collective scale, in favour of a sustainable and responsible energy future. EDF will share its “open data” strategy, comparing it with the reflections already implemented by Etalab (Chief Data officer of the French interministerial portal).

For the numerous specialised studies that they are called upon to manage, particularly in the area of electricity generation, the EDF group's engineering and R&D divisions are relying more and more on the capabilities and power of digital simulation. In this respect, High-Performance Computing and Artificial Intelligence are major and complementary assets.

Project led by the EDF group.

The Fédération Française Handisport skills project works on innovations for sports, whatever the disability or athletic level, in partnership with the EDF group. This project has three components: scientific research, in partnership with various laboratories, practical innovations for the practice of disability sports and publications promoting the knowledge of coaches.

Netseenergy, a subsidiary of the EDF group, has developed a solution to enhance the comfort of office buildings. To do this, it measures three types of physical data: temperature, humidity and CO2 level. By viewing this data, the company can monitor it and take corrective actions to achieve optimal interior comfort. In a health crisis, controlling indoor air quality is also essential.

Project developed by Netseenergy, an EDF group subsidiary.

Access to electricity is still a challenge in many countries. To rise to it, the EDF group has developed two interconnected digital tools called Sunyata and Leni. Sunyata identifies the geographical areas that lack access to water and electricity. Leni then determines the most suitable solution for bringing power to the villages in a particular region. This can be accomplished by extending the grid, building a microgrid, or by developing individual solar power kits.

Solutions developed by the EDF group.

Jean-Bernard Lévy, Philippe de Chanville and Tony Estanguet will reveal the 5 winners of the 7th/sup> EDF Pulse start-up Awards live. Their projects innovate in the fields of CO2 neutral territories, resilient infrastructures, sustainable lifestyle and sport.

Discover the 17 finalists competing on edf.fr/pulseawards."