In extension of the cooperation which has linked ENGIE and the CEA since 2007, a new agreement has been signed, which commits the partners for two years in the following technical fields:
- improvement in the performance and safety of reactors;
- development of knowledge about change phenomena in materials, equipment and components, including reactor vessel and internals;
- dismantling, deconstruction and clean-up of nuclear facilities;
- control over radiation protection and discharge and waste management.
In 2018, the work will consist in finalising studies on molecules used to improve the flexibility of operating the coolant circuits of reactors and developing new technologies for conditioning waste. This research will supplement the very positive outcome of the work undertaken over the past five years by ENGIE and the CEA, in particular through R&D projects related to the issues of clean-up and dismantling.
The extension of the cooperation agreement with the CEA confirms ENGIE's wish to continue to develop its technical and human skills in the nuclear industry.
Being an actor for over 50 years in nuclear energy ENGIE covers, through its experience and expertise, the entire nuclear energy value chain. The Group operates seven nuclear units in Belgium. In addition to this expertise as a nuclear operator, ENGIE is strategically placed and active in the delivery of services - engineering and design, installation, fuel management, maintenance, the management of radioactive waste and decommissioning -, with 7,000 engineers and technicians who have specific nuclear skills and it recorded turnover of EUR 860 million in 2017.
For a long time, the Nuclear Energy Division of the CEA has carried out research on industrial issues aimed at improving the operating life, performance, availability and safety of reactors as well as waste management, clean-up and dismantling. Relying on this research, the CEA contributes its expertise, its skills and its experimental resources as well as its software platforms, tailored to the R&D studies undertaken in its cooperation with ENGIE.
About ENGIE
ENGIE is committed to take on the major challenges of the energy revolution, towards a more decarbonised, decentralised and digitized world. The Group aims to becoming the leader of this new energy world by focusing on three key activities for the future: low carbon generation in particular from natural gas and renewable energies, energy infrastructures and efficient solutions adapted to all its clients' needs (individuals, businesses, territories, etc.). The customers' satisfaction, innovation and digital are at the heart of ENGIE's development.
ENGIE is active in around 70 countries, employs 150,000 people worldwide and achieved revenues of €66.6 billion in 2016. The Group is listed on the Paris and Brussels stock exchanges (ENGI) and is represented in the main financial indices (CAC 40, BEL 20, DJ Euro Stoxx 50, Euronext 100, FTSE Eurotop 100, MSCI Europe) and non-financial indices (DJSI World, DJSI Europe and Euronext Vigeo Eiris - World 120, Eurozone 120, Europe 120, France 20, CAC 40 Governance).
About the CEA
A major research, development and innovation actor, the CEA (the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission) works in four major areas: defence and security, nuclear and renewable energies, technological research for industry and fundamental research. Based on recognised expertise, the CEA participates in establishing collaboration projects with many academic and industrial partners. With its 16,000 researchers and staff, it is a major actor of the European area and has a growing presence internationally. The CEA was identified in 2017 by Thomson-Reuters/Clarivate as the most innovative public research organisation in Europe.