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Project: Energy Transition and Industry–Research Collaboration
This course aims to bridge fundamental research at ENS with industrial needs to address the challenges of climate transition. Students will engage in a collaborative project, guided by mentors from ENS and BCG, as well as industrial companies in France and internationally. The course, structured as a project-based program, will involve conducting interviews with industry stakeholders to develop a collective report on the scientific and technological challenges of decarbonization.
Learning Objectives: Gain cross-disciplinary expertise on climate transition, integrating research, industrial strategy, and technology, develop project management and collaborative work skills, Expand professional networks through interactions with academic experts and industry leaders
Syllabus
Kick-off Day – Early March (exact date to be confirmed)
Working Groups: students will be divided into three groups, working on one of three thematic streams that mix established and emerging decarbonization technologies (see below).
Mentorship: students will discuss with ENS researchers and BCG experts to build a deep and comprehensive scientific understanding of relevant technologies, from both fundamental research and an industrial perspective. This academic-industry mentorship will offer a broad overview of advanced physics and engineering concepts.
Collaboration with Industrial Companies: Students will conduct 3-4 interviews with companies to refine their challenges and draft recommendations. These interviews will serve as the ‘application’ component, allowing students to engage with industrial R&D teams to pinpoint sector needs, identify collaboration opportunities between research and industry, and explore practical ways to accelerate technological development.
The Three Thematic Streams (changes from year to year):
1. Low-Carbon Energy (Photovoltaics, wind including high-altitude/Kite Power, advanced nuclear SMR, marine/fluvial energies, CSP, solar fuels)
2. Thermal Storage and Conversion (Battery systems, green hydrogen, advanced thermoelectricity, high-performance cooling, superconductors)
3. Carbon Management, Fuel and Industrial Decarbonization (CCUS, electrolysis, e-fuels, cement/steel/chemicals, biomass)
Prerequisites
Evaluation
Students will draft a series of recommendations addressing the scientific and technological challenges of decarbonization. The results will be presented to a jury of experts, and a collective report will be submitted and published.