A European energy efficiency research centre (ECLEER), created by EDF, one of the leaders in the energy market in Europe, in partnership with the Ecole des Mines in Paris and the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale in Lausanne, with the support of Edison, EDF’s Italian subsidiary, is opened at the Renardières site (Seine-et- Marne). This centre was set up to help reduce energy consumption and to lower CO2 emissions.

Research projects will be undertaken at the centre to improve the energy efficiency of all electricity applications and to develop new alternatives to fossil fuels to supply electricity to the residential, tertiary and industrial sectors. Research programmes will mainly focus on the design of new generations of environmentally-friendly induction heating, the integration of innovative building systems (e.g. solar panels, insulation, etc.) and the development of new energy diagnostic tools. At this preliminary stage of the work, EDF has already filed a patent for a very high temperature pump. This new equipment, which can supply hot water at more than 65°C to homes, will also help cut CO2 emissions by up to 80% and reduce annual heating costs by more than half, reveals the organization’s press release .

Pierre Gadonneix, EDF’s Chief Executive, stated: "The creation of the European energy efficiency research centre is a testimony to the commitment of EDF, which is one of the lowest producers of CO2 emissions of all energy suppliers, towards the fight against global warming and the responsible management of energy resources for the future of planet." 

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