EDF - IRDEP (Photovoltaic Energy)

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From research to development for thin film photovoltaic cells. The original aspect of the IRDEP lies in the synergy of Research and Development competences, and in the combination of the Academic Research Unit of CNRS and ENSCP with the R&D department of an industrial group such as EDF.

IRDEP's activity is mainly focused on photovoltaics (PV : production of electricity via the conversion of solar energy). Its industrial purpose is to contribute to the development of the PV modules technology at a low production cost, to promote the emergence of PV in the future energy mix.

IRDEP's task is to develop R&D on an international scale on the 2nd and 3rd generation PV module technologies, following the existing Silicon technology, and to become a first-rate research center that attracts scientists, by offering them a framework of concrete projects, with a strong research component, giving priority to knowledge, innovation and risk-taking so as to develop pre-industrial prototypes.

The teams are based on an 800 m² platform specially constructed for this purpose on the EDF R&D Chatou site.

IRDEP is responsible for training in higher education, particularly for engineers and doctorate candidates at ENSCP. IRDEP plays arole in the process of scientific and technological monitoring and national and international scientific coordination.