Partners
University of La Réunion
The University of La Réunion (UR) is a French public higher education and research institution, located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, and one of Europe's outermost regions. By virtue of its unique geostrategic position, it is the only European university in the region and plays a key role as an interface between Europe and the Indian Ocean. UR is composed of 5 Faculties, 3 Institutes, 1 Observatory of Sciences of the Universe, 1 School of Engineering and 22 advanced research laboratories among which the PIMENT and ENERGY-Lab. The Laboratory for Physics and Mathematical Engineering for Energy and Environment (PIMENT) has more than 60 researchers. Its research is focused on 3 themes. First, the theme “energy efficiency for buildings, neighborhoods and towns” deals with the quality of life, the carbon footprint and the environmental cost of constructions at different spatial scales. Secondly, the “sustainable energies” theme is dedicated to active systems involved in the production and consumption of energy with a focus on renewable energies and cold. The TwInSolar project is part of this theme. And finally, the “applied mathematics” theme aims to design tools and methods to solve problems in physics.
UR and more specifically the laboratories PIMENT and ENERGY-Lab are internationally renowned for their skills and expertise in the field of energy applied to tropical regions and non-interconnected areas. Their researchers are involved in groups of experts such as the Solar, Heating and Cooling (SHC) or the Photovoltaic Power Systems (PVPS) programmes of the International Energy Agency (IEA), the Baseline Surface Radiation Network (BSRN), the French National Research Network on Hydrogen Energy (FR2044, FRH2), the French Research Group SEEDS (GDR 2994 CNRS, electric energy systems and their social dimensions).
Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE
The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg, Germany is the largest solar research institute in Europe. With a staff of about 1400, we are committed to promoting a sustainable, economic, secure and socially just energy supply system based on renewable energy sources. We contribute to this through our main research areas of energy provision, energy distribution, energy storage and energy utilization. Through outstanding research results, successful industrial projects, spin-off companies and global collaborations, we are shaping the sustainable transformation of the energy system.
In the business areas of Photovoltaics, Energy Efficient Buildings, Solar Thermal Power Plants and Industrial Processes, Hydrogen Technologies and Electrical Energy Storage as well as Power Electronics, Grids and Smart Systems, the Institute develops materials, components, systems and processes. For this purpose, we have an excellent laboratory infrastructure at our disposal. In addition, we perform analyses, carry out studies, provide consultations and offer our clients testing and certification procedures. Fraunhofer ISE is certified according to the quality management standard DIN EN ISO 9001:2015.
Technical University of Denmark
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world. DTU will benefit from the twinning project by using the collaboration to use research tools and methods in within photovoltaics and hybrid systems on case studies from La Reunion’s tropical island climate.
Nexa, the Regional Agency for Development Investment and Innovation of La Reunion
Nexa, the regional agency guides the regional transformation toward an ecological, competitive and innovative economy, by organising and developing the ecosystem, supporting participants, developing flagship projects and international opportunities.
Missions:
- Support the regional Council in the design and implementation of research, innovation and economic development policies
- Implement the regional Smart Specialisation Strategy
- Manage the regional economic observatory
- Support and funding of innovative projects
- Development of growth-generating projects promoting the circular economy and energy transition
- International promotion of Réunion
CPMR Islands Commission
The Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR) represents more than 150 regional authorities from 24 countries across Europe and beyond. Organised in geographical commissions, it works to ensure that a balanced territorial development is at the heart of the European Union and its policies.
The CPMR produces policy positions and analysis based on input from its member regions on core areas of work: cohesion, transport, maritime, climate & energy and migration. The CPMR is also involved in around 20 EU projects.
The Islands Commission is one of the six geographical commissions of the CPMR, gathering 19 European regional insular authorities from 5 sea basins, including the nine Outermost Regions of the EU. Its main objective is to urge the European Institutions and Member States to pay special attention to islands and to acknowledge their specific vulnerabilities. It also aims at fostering interregional cooperation between islands on priority areas such as energy transition, circular economy, blue growth, transport & accessibility and sustainable tourism.