Who we are

EIFER – European Institute for Energy Research

The European Institute for Energy Research was founded by EDF and the KIT in 2002 with the legal structure European Economic Interest Grouping aiming at enhancing collaboration through joint projects applied to industrial issues.
Today, EIFER is recognised as an independent French-German research institute committed to its members and partners. With its applied research orientation EIFER is bridging the gap between science and industry for more than 20 years. In the context of the European energy transition, EIFER provides research-based innovative energy solutions for the sustainable growth of cities, local communities and industries.

Our Vision & Mission

We envision future-proof, low-carbon energy systems aligned with societal needs.
We’re supporting the transition towards resilient and sustainable energy systems that can ensure carbon neutrality by delivering interdisciplinary scientific analyses and offering innovative solutions in close collaboration with our members EDF and KIT.

Our Guiding Principles

RELEVANCE

Our research is driven by the needs of local stakeholders, public organizations, and our members.

PIONEER

We develop cutting-edge interdisciplinary research approaches.

EXCELLENCE

We provide innovative, replicable solutions based on the highest scientific standards as well as results from bespoke analyses.

LOCAL ANCHORAGE

We actively participate in the French – German scientific and innovation networks that are driving the transition towards carbon neutrality.

OPEN-MINDED

We rely on our interdisciplinary and multicultural staff as well as on trusted partnerships.

DIVERSITY

We recognize that the diversity our employees bring to the organization is a key factor in the success of our missions.

EIFER Gender Equality Plan

Governance

General Assembly of Members
EDF and KIT

Bernard Salha

Senior Vice President EDF R&D and Chief Technical Officer EDF Group

Prof. Dr. Thomas Hirth

KIT Vice-President for Innovation and International Affairs

Board of Directors

Jacques Sacreste
Etienne Brière
EDF

Prof. Dr. Veit Hagenmeyer
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Thomas Leibfried
KIT

EIFER Management

Nurten_Avci_by Sandra Goettisheim Photographie

Nurten Avci

DIRECTOR

Elisabeth Obé

DEPUTY DIRECTOR

Heike_Stockmann_by Sandra Goettisheim Photographie

Heike Stockmann

GENERAL AFFAIRS MANAGER

Ute_Karl_by Sandra Goettisheim Photographie

Ute Karl

SCIENTIFIC COOPERATION MANAGER

Grégory Savidand

GROUP MANAGER
Climate Neutral Communities

François Courtot

GROUP MANAGER
Local Multi-Energy Systems

Mathieu_Marrony_by Sandra Goettisheim Photographie

Mathieu Marrony

GROUP MANAGER
Low Carbon Hydrogen Systems

Nicole Pini

GROUP MANAGER
Energy Transition, Markets, Environment

Our members EDF and KIT

A key player in energy transition, the EDF Group is an integrated electricity company, active in all areas of the business: generation, transmission, distribution, energy supply and trading, energy services. A global leader in low-carbon energies, the Group has developed a diversified generation mix based on nuclear power, hydropower, new renewable energies and thermal energy.

The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) creates and imparts knowledge for the society and the environment. From fundamental research through to application, it excels in a broad range of disciplines, i.e. in natural sciences, engineering sciences, economics, and the humanities and social sciences. It makes significant contributions to the global challenges of mankind in the fields of energy, mobility, and information.