Through its scientific excellence, R&D has developed a network of more than 300 partnerships in France and abroad with universities, research institutes and industrial and academic partners. Among its most prestigious international partners, R&D includes MIT and Columbia University in the United States, Imperial College and the University of Manchester in Great Britain, Tsinghua University in China and NTU in Singapore.
Discover the work of researchers by browsing through their publications, thesis, patents, scientific or educational books, and design codes.
Our prizes and trophies
Every year, there are several awards and trophies, and events supported by EDF
Learn more (in french)
40 Theses defended in 2019
26 works in the R&D collections
1933 patent titles in 2019
682 patented innovations
R&D, Engineering and Production working together for the nuclear energy of tomorrow
Nuclear energy has a bright future! An even safer, more competitive future. This vision shared by all of the EDF Group, in partnership with the CEA (French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission), Framatome, and Orano, pushes R&D, Engineering, and Production to work together to innovate in many areas.
Microgrids: a value opportunity for the EDF Group
How can a decentralised power systems approach overcome the energy challenges of tomorrow? One answer is microgrids, which EDF R&D has been working on since 2014 to prepare for the future of this field.
Heat pumps in buildings
For over 30 years, heat pumps have constantly improved in terms of their performance and reliability. A Coefficient of Performance (COP), which is the ratio between 'thermal energy supplied and electricity consumed', is used to define the heat pump's performance. Today, the best heat pumps have a COP of 5. These heat pumps provide five times more energy than they consume.
The industrial heat pump
The amount of energy consumed by French industry stands at around 450TWh/year, including 300TWh for the production of heat. Research carried out by EDF's R&D division shows that industrial heat pumps could reduce industrial heat waste. This waste, whose heat is recovered by heat pumps, would then meet around 36TWh of the heat requirements of the industrial process.
Low-power nuclear reactors (SMRs)
For some time now, many countries that design reactors have been considering the development of plants with a power range of less than 200 MWe. “Technology Uncovered” explains these reactors that enable more compact and modular designs and which are known as SMRs (Small Modular Reactors).
Advanced management of distribution networks
The emergence of renewable energy sources, as well as new uses of electricity (heat pumps, electric vehicles), the management of consumption peaks and the desire to constantly improve service quality have led to the development of new smart systems, particularly within distribution networks.
Deep geothermal energy
There is currently renewed interest in deep geothermal energy, shown through requests for and the issuing of several exploration permits. Explore related technology.
STEP plants
EDF has built six pumped hydro-electric energy storage (STEP) plants in France. This fleet is now being renovated and expanded.
CO2 storage
As part of the fight against climate change, CCGS technology (Carbon Capture and Geological Storage) is considered to be a necessary solution for lowering CO2 emissions caused by human activities.
Concentrated thermodynamic solar power
Unlike photovoltaic systems, which can lose 80% of their power in a matter of seconds during periods of cloud cover, thermodynamic solar plants have a thermal inertia that curbs intermittent production. They have a possible thermal storage capacity of several hours and, as a result, can be used when no solar energy is available.
R&D, Engineering and Production working together for the nuclear energy of tomorrow
Microgrids: a value opportunity for the EDF Group
Heat pumps in buildings
The industrial heat pump
Low-power nuclear reactors (SMRs)
Advanced management of distribution networks
Deep geothermal energy
STEP plants
CO2 storage
Concentrated thermodynamic solar power
Territories of Energy Transition
Sylvie DOUZOU, Marc GUYON, Simon LUCK
01/01/2019
New territories, new energy portfolios, new business models, new modes of civic life, new players, new balances [...]
Extreme Natural Phenomena: statistical theory and risk mitigation
Nicolas BOUSQUET, Pietro BERNARDARA
01/11/2018
Before an extreme natural event (flooding, torrential rain, storm, earthquake, etc.) happens, it is essential to have...
Electrical Engineering of Power Plants
Christophe SCHROEDER
01/09/2018
Électrotechnique des centrales électriques lays out the design principles of electrical power systems that make up the plants of...
Containment of Turbomachines
Léon RANDRIANARIVO
01/09/2018
Containment of turbomachines is performed using rotodynamic seals. The ones discussed in this work are compression glands (still largely...
The Electricity Systems of Tomorrow: a challenge for energy transition
Collectif R&D
01/06/2018
The electricity system is changing fast, and it lies at the heart of energy transition and the fight against climate change.
Sociology of Energy Quality and Domains
Olivier GUILLAUME
01/06/2018
For nearly 40 years, businesses and markets have undergone a non-stop movement surrounding quality. Policies, initiatives, and...
The Physics of Nuclear Reactors (3° Éd.)
Serge MARGUET
01/12/2017
La physique des réacteurs nucléaires is the first French work that provides a step-by-step, detailed analysis of the complexity...
Electricity Storage: a challenge for energy transition
Collectif R&D
01/06/2017
Electricity storage in all its forms lies at the heart of energy transition and the fight against climate change.
Public Power Grids: functioning and protection
Michel ODDI
01/07/2016
“Smart grids” are presented as the public power grids of the future, but they cannot...
Energy Usages and Social Practices
Isabelle GARABUAU-MOUSSAOUI, Magalie PIERRE
01/07/2016
From petrol crises to energy transition to various national and international events surrounding...
Territories of Energy Transition
Sylvie DOUZOU, Marc GUYON, Simon LUCK
Extreme Natural Phenomena: statistical theory and risk mitigation
Nicolas BOUSQUET, Pietro BERNARDARA
Electrical Engineering of Power Plants
Christophe SCHROEDER
Containment of Turbomachines
Léon RANDRIANARIVO
The Electricity Systems of Tomorrow: a challenge for energy transition
Collectif R&D
Sociology of Energy Quality and Domains
Olivier GUILLAUME
The Physics of Nuclear Reactors (3° Éd.)
Serge MARGUET
Electricity Storage: a challenge for energy transition
Collectif R&D
Public Power Grids: functioning and protection
Michel ODDI
Energy Usages and Social Practices
Isabelle GARABUAU-MOUSSAOUI, Magalie PIERRE