The European Institute for Energy Research (EIFER) has been bridging the gap between science and industry as a French-German research organisation for already 20 years.

250 guests attended the anniversary event that was held on hybrid mode on October 11^th at KIT Campus South in Karlsruhe.

The guest list comprised of academic colleagues from KIT, numerous representatives of the R&D department, regional and international business units of the EDF Group as well as numerous industrial partners.

The anniversary celebration had an array of distinguished keynote speakers and panelists.

The opening ceremony was held by EIFER´s director, Dr. Nurten Avci, Bernard Salha, Senior Vice President EDF R&D and Chief Technical Officer EDF Group, Prof. Dr. Thomas Hirth, Vice-President for Transfer and International Affairs at KIT and Bettina Lisbach, Mayor for Environment and Health of the City of Karlsruhe.

The first panel discussion “Creating a climate neutral and resilient society – what are the major challenges and how can we step forward?” was opened by a keynote of Rosalinde van der Vlies of the European Commission, Director of the Clean Planet Directorate, DG Research and Innovation.

Mrs. Van der Vlies emphasized in her speech the importance of collaboration in order to reach the climate targets set in the Green Deal. “Green Deal remains our motor and our compass to get out of these crises and to work towards to a better future”. Mrs. Van der Vlies also emphasized the importance of research and innovation as key enablers for the transition.

An inspiring panel discussion followed, raising the importance of motivating different actors for a more sustainable future, taking responsibility and grasping to new opportunities that benefit us all.

During lunch, the participants on site were able to network and gain insights to current research at EIFER, presented at poster session by our researchers.

The second panel discussion “Design the future: what technologies are going to make a difference?” was opened by a keynote of Bart Biebuyck, Executive Director of Clean Hydrogen Partnership.

Mr. Biebuyck indicated the EU´s global leadership role in the transition as well as the importance of boosting awareness of hydrogen. He highlighted the numerous projects of the Clean Hydrogen research programme with contributions from or coordinated by EIFER.

A stimulating panel discussion followed, stressing the importance of technology in the transition in order to achieve climate resiliency in all levels of society, research and innovation being key enablers.

In addition to speakers and panelists, also a pitch session was held by accomplished researchers of EIFER whom showcased six of EIFER´s future-proof solutions in a variety of themes concerning the energy transition.

Our sincere thank you for the keynote speakers, panelists, pitchers, poster session participants and all who participated and celebrated the day with us. We would also like to thank all who have been part of our 20-year journey.

May we continue the journey together, for a more sustainable future.

Keynotes:

• Rosalinde van der Vlies of the European Commission, Director of the Clean Planet Directorate, DG Research and Innovation
• Bart Biebuyck, Executive Director of Clean Hydrogen Partnership

Panel 1:

• Carine de Boissezon, EDF’s Chief Impact Officer
• Dr. Volker Stelzer, Research Associate of Research Group “Karlsruhe Transformation Center for Sustainability and Cultural Change at KIT ITAS
• Sven Rösner, Managing Director of the Franco-German Office for the Energy Transition (OFATE/DFBEW)
• Bettina Lisbach, Mayor for Environment and Health of the City of Karlsruhe

Panel 2:

• Bart Biebuyck, Executive Director of Clean Hydrogen Partnership
• Dr. Veit Hagenmeyer, Director of the KIT Institute for Applied Informatics (KIT-IAI)
• Dr. Kristina Lygnerud, chair of the European Industry of the European industry organization Euroheat & Power´s platform for research in district heating and cooling (DHC+) and Professor at Lund University
• Bernard Salha, Senior Vice President EDF R&D and Chief Technical Officer EDF Group