ENERGY Research on nuclear wastes Nuclear systems for the future New energy technologies HIGHLIGHT Results achieved : Hydrogen storage & Photovoltaic cells  Read  200 mm x 200 mm silicon sheets at various stages of a photovoltaic cell manufacturing at the Restaure platform ©D.Michon-Artechnique/CEA HIGHLIGHT Creation of INES (Institute for Solar Energy)  Read

Our strategy

Respond to the growing energy demand while reducing greenhouse gas emissions has now become an international challenge. To meet this challenge, CEA has brought all its new energy technology (NET) initiatives together within the Laboratory for Innovation in New Energy Technologies and Nanomaterials (LITEN).

Development of hydrogen energy for transport applications

CEA's R&D program aims to develop the use of hydrogen as an energy carrier, and covers the complete chain : production with clean andefficient processes (high temperature decomposition of water, biomass gasification), storage with innovative technologies, distribution, conversion in fuel cells of PEMFC or SOFC types, safety, technio-economic and social aspects.

LITEN is seeking to overcome the technological difficulties related to the use of hydrogen and fuel cells for transport (compact, lightweight and safe on-board hydrogen storage, reliable, high-performance and low-cost fuel cells). This technology will be deployed progressively in industrial applications between 2010 and 2030.

Development of solar energy and energy management in buildings

Solar power and energy management are ideal for the building sector because thermal and electrical energy sources and loads within the home can easily be optimized. The R&D program is focused on technologies to improve the cost-effectiveness of components and systems.

With regard to photovoltaic cells, LITEN is concentrating on silicon and organic technologies, which are promising but require a major technological breakthrough. Modeling of systems is also a major area of development in order to offer services for designing. Work on the storage of renewable energies is focused on the development of innovative batteries.

Our partners

• On hydrogen technologies,CEA is working in particular with Air Liquide, PSA, GDF, Dalkia, Vivendi, Snecma, EDF, etc.
• On photovoltaic cell technology, CEA is collaborating with Photowatt, Pechiney, Appolon Solar and on photovoltaic modules and systems, with TOTAL Energie.

Figures & research resources

Approximately 300 LITEN researchers, engineers and technicians are participating in this R&D program.