Presentation of the PEPR
Batteries
Led by CNRS and CEA, the PEPR-Batteries aims to develop new generations of batteries that are more efficient, safer, cheaper, and longer-lasting than those currently on the market. It is designed to support industrial sectors with technological innovations that can be transferred to economic actors in the short to medium term, and it will also lay the foundations for long-term advancements in the field. While electric mobility is the primary target application, the aerospace, space, stationary storage, and Internet of Things sectors are also concerned.
The program will specifically address new battery chemistries, battery management systems (BMS), and advanced digital tools for material characterization and component simulation.
The organization and contractual framework of the PEPR-Batteries are based on three complementary approaches that will effectively achieve the program’s ambitious objectives
Targeted Projects
addressing specific scientific challenges, supported by consortia identified from the start of the program for their expertise in the field
Calls for Projects
launched on themes complementary to those addressed in the targeted projects, the resulting projects must be led by consortia of public research laboratories
Equipment Projects
intended to complement existing equipment and positioned as open platforms for researchers, these projects will accelerate the progress of the research programs
The PEPR funds 15 projects to address the challenges of economically viable, controlled, and sustainable electric mobility
The 5 targeted high-stakes projects identified at the start of the program:
These projects address the challenges of developing high-energy-density batteries with a lithium-metal anode for electric vehicles, high-power sodium-ion and hybrid batteries, innovative optical sensors and signal processing for a reliable Battery Management System (BMS), operando characterization methods in laboratories and at major instruments for a better understanding of battery functioning, and numerical methods involving artificial intelligence, high-throughput screening, and digital twins to accelerate research.
The Call for Projects launched in November 2022 resulted in the selection of 7 innovative and ambitious projects led by consortia of public research teams.
The selected projects complement the targeted projects and involve the development of all-solid-state and aqueous organic batteries, all-solid-state fluoride-ion batteries, bioresorbable sodium-ion microbatteries, a battery architecture integrating defect detection and repair functions, and the development of a library of divalent ion electrolytes.
The 2 equipments projects support targeted projects and those resulting from the Call for Proposals. These projects will enhance synthesis and characterization capabilities, including a deposition platform for creating surface layers, a characterization platform for surface groups of porous carbons or 2D materials, a transmission electron microscope for high-resolution analysis of battery materials, and various fabrication or characterization equipment, such as extruders, roll mills, coprecipitation reactors, glove boxes, and electrochemical test benches, among others.
Communication, Valorization
In addition to scientific and technical activities, the program includes significant communication and dissemination efforts aimed at both the scientific community and the general public. These efforts involve a website, newsletters, seminars, and conferences to explain and promote the adoption of these new technologies.
International outreach activities are encouraged, such as inviting world-renowned researchers to internal seminars or sending French researchers to laboratories abroad.
The valorization of results will be strongly promoted: high-level publications to maintain France’s pioneering position in these fields, patent filings, license exploitation, and the creation of innovative startups. The knowledge gained will benefit companies seeking support in deploying systems that use high-performance batteries, helping them achieve leadership positions both nationally and internationally. The exploitation of PEPR results will foster the emergence of a new, competitive, and profitable economic sector, generating jobs, driving exports, and contributing to France’s energy independence.
Governance
To fully carry out the scientific oversight mission of the PEPR Batteries, CNRS and CEA have established a governance structure consisting of three bodies:
Steering Committee: Responsible for defining the strategy and validating the directions of the PEPR-Batteries program. It is composed of the Director of Energy at CEA, the Director of National Programs at CNRS, and two representatives from the universities involved in the program.
Program Management: Tasked with making all necessary decisions to ensure the smooth operation of the PEPR Batteries program. It is led by two scientific directors: Hélène Burlet, NTE expert at the scientific direction of energy at CEA, and Patrice Simon, professor at Toulouse III Paul Sabatier University and Deputy Director of RS2E.
Program Committee: Supported by a group of experts from laboratories, this committee’s primary mission is the continuous management and coordination of the PEPR-Batteries program.