Our research impact: energy transition
Research plays a key role in the challenges of the energy transition to shape a sustainable future. Scientists are exploring innovative technologies, the life cycle of materials and new, more environmentally-friendly energy solutions. Challenges such as energy storage and the integration of renewable sources require in-depth research aimed at optimising infrastructures and industrial processes.
Energy research is becoming the key driver in meeting climate challenges, offering crucial solutions for a successful energy transition.
Flagship projects
ECOREB
The Research Institute in Civil and Mechanical Engineering at Centrale Nantes is currently working on the ECOREB project which aims to define concrete formulations made of aggregates resulting from the demolition of concrete structures that can be used in the design of infrastructure and buildings.
GENIUS
Centrale Nantes has obtained €2.8 million in CPER funding (French state/regional infrastructure planning and investment programme) to set up the GENIUS project, a test platform for the production, storage and use of green hydrogen.
A look at some other ways in which research at Centrale Nantes is addressing the challenge of energy transition.
- CITRYMarch 1, 2024The contribution of urban trees to microclimate and pollutant dispersion from local to city scaleIn a context of global warming and urban population growth, preventing the health risks associated with heat waves and high exposure to anthropogenic pollutants is a major challenge. The introduction of trees in cities is often encouraged to regulate the urban heat island and improve thermal comfort.
- Digital technologyJune 18, 2021Centrale Nantes is committed to reducing the environmental impact of digital technology.
- Floatgen, first floating-wind turbine installed off the French coastOctober 3, 2017The Floatgen European research project led by Ideol on offshore wind energy will be a first in France: the deployment of a 2MW integrated floating-wind turbine system, at the SEM-REV test site.
NuTTS 2016: Propellers and ships in wavesOctober 11, 2016This year, Centrale Nantes, the French National Research Centre and the LHEEA laboratory (Hydrodynamics, Energetics & Atmospheric Environment Laboratory) co-organised the 19th edition of NuTTs "Numerical Towing Tank Symposium". The conference covered the numerical simulation of flows around ships and offshore structures with a strong link to concrete applications.We look back at the exchanges between experts.
Smarter grids with Centrale NantesSeptember 2, 2015Distributing electricity has become more complicated than ever: networks are interconnected at the European level, new producers are entering the market and the new sources of electricity (wind, photovoltaic ... . ) do not produce the same amount of energy throughout the day or year. How to direct traffic to avoid accidents and transport electricity to where and when it's needed? This puzzle was worth an industrial chair, it was created at the beginning of 2015 at Centrale Nantes.- Marine Renewable Energies on the "18h à savoir" programmeSeptember 2, 2015Sea waves and currents generate phenomenal amounts of energy. What about transforming it into electricity? Engineers are exploring new solutions: offshore wind turbines, hydro-wind turbines, wave power. To test them in real offshore conditions, Centrale Nantes has commissioned a MRE multi-technology test site connected to the power grid off the coast from Le Croisic.
- SEAREVJune 3, 2008Based on 25 years of experience and earlier research, the Fluid Mechanics Laboratory (now LHEEA) of Centrale Nantes launched the project in 2003.
