GENYDROGENE develops a hydrogen-energy chain capable of production, storage and intelligent control while integrating intermittent renewables.
The project brings together expertise in electrochemistry (electrolysers), advanced control, diagnostics and multi-physics modelling to deliver an operational, robust demonstrator.
A multidisciplinary approach combining multi-physics modelling (thermal, electrical, ageing), state estimation and control design, measurement-based diagnostics, and experimental validation on benches and platforms. The consortium mobilises LS2N (Centrale Nantes) and FEMTO-ST with regional academic and industrial partners.
Rather than improving isolated components, GENYDROGENE optimises the interplay of control, materials and diagnostics to maximise efficiency, resilience and socio-economic acceptability. The project leverages advanced digital supervision and failure-prediction tools to reduce maintenance costs and operational risk.
A validated hydrogen-energy system prototype, published control and diagnostic algorithms, and regional impact via demonstrators and technology transfer — strengthening local capabilities for the hydrogen sector.
Mickaël Hilairet is Professor in electrical engineering and energy systems at Centrale Nantes, within the LS2N (Laboratory of Digital Sciences of Nantes). He graduated from HEI Lille (1997), earned an M.Sc. at INPT-ENSEEIHT Toulouse (1998) and obtained his PhD from the University of Nantes in 2001 on signal-processing approaches for machine control.
After industrial work (Thalès Communications, Geral, 2001–2003), he joined academia (Université Bretagne Sud, then Université Paris-Sud 2004–2012 at GEEPS), obtaining his HDR in 2009. In 2012 he became Full Professor at the University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté (FEMTO-ST) and has directed FEMTO-ST’s Energy Department since January 2019 (≈130 members), after serving as deputy director.
His research focuses on converter and machine control, estimation and diagnosis, with extensive application to fuel cell systems, electrolysers and hybrid microgrids. He has supervised about 15 PhDs and led/co-led ANR and regional projects (PROPICE, DATAZERO, CREATIF, CPER), producing widely-cited publications and recognised contributions to the field.
Active in international networks, Hilairet is associate editor for major journals (IEEE TIE, IEEE JSTIE), organiser of summer schools (HIL series) and recipient of academic distinctions (doctoral supervision bonus, best-paper awards). As GENYDROGENE's representative at Centrale Nantes, he is now applying his expertise in control and diagnostics to a major societal challenge: making hydrogen more reliable, efficient and deployable on a large scale.
Project funded as part of the Connect Talent call for proposals. The Connect Talent call for proposals, supported by the Pays de la Loire Region and the European Union’s ERDF fund, aims to support the establishment and integration of internationally renowned scientific leaders – whether arriving alone or with a team – who are spearheading groundbreaking projects designed to tackle the major scientific or technological challenges of our time and whose societal and economic impacts are undeniable.
