Partners – HEFAISTOS

ICEDD – leader

ICEDD (Institut de conseil et d’études en développement durable) is a fully independent research and consultancy institute based in Namur (Belgium), with over 50 years’ experience. ICEDD supports and assists public authorities and enterprises with the aim of encouraging constructive developments leading towards a sustainable future.

At ICEDD the work consists in providing scientifically based analyses, newly developed methodologies, and solutions geared towards implementation based on elevated levels of expertise and interdisciplinary cooperation.

ICEDD is mainly involved in analysing the use of spatial resources (land use, urban planning and territorial development), energy and material resources, integrating the economic, environmental, social and institutional dimensions.

34 researchers whose skills cover a vast number of fields (engineering, agronomy, chemistry, physics, environment, economics, statistics, sociology, political sciences, computer science, architecture, geography, cartography, urban planning, graphics …) bring together multidisciplinary expertise collaborating continuously to develop a rigorous collection and processing of information. They cover strategic questions and examine the mechanics and processes behind the formulation and implementation of environmental (mainly waste and resource efficiency, but also soil and water pollution, protection of biodiversity and air pollution), energy and climate change related policies.

ICEDD’s activities are conducted at the regional, national, European and international levels. Our Clients mainly include the EU Commission, the EU Parliament, national governments and administrations and regional authorities. ICEDD has access to a large network of experts with whom it collaborates in numerous projects. In addition, ICEDD cooperates with other research institutions and plays an active part in national and international networks, bodies and commissions.

ICEDD is a non-profit association. Financial resources come from project-based funding with no contribution from public authorities, enterprises and other associations in order to guarantee the Institute’s independence.

ICEDD has an ISO 9001-certified quality management system since 2004. In this context, ICEDD is fully committed to imposing quality standards to its partners and its sub-contractors and guaranteeing quality services to its clients.

Engie Lab Crigen – partner

ENGIE Lab CRIGEN is ENGIE’s corporate R&D center, devoted to:

green gases (e.g. Hydrogen, biomethane and gas liquefaction);
new energy uses and services, climate change mitigation and attenuation and energy efficiency in future building, cities and industries;
emerging technologies (e.g. AI, Drones and sensors);
and a specific transverse and thematic Lab addressing Environment and society subjects.

ENGIE Lab CRIGEN conducts operational R&D projects, develops pilots, and implements innovative offers to boost and speed up the energy transition. For this purpose, it may work on pilots developed on partner site or on its own experimental facilities in Stains near Paris. It realizes projects and provides expertise within 30 countries all around the world.

ENGIE LAB CRIGEN has 200 employees from 11 nationalities and 51 PhD. The income is about 35M€ every year mainly provided by the operational entities and Corporate Direction of ENGIE. ENGIE Lab CRIGEN operates with a network of partners to support its R&D activities: industries, start up, academic, French/ European and /or international public authorities, cities, and territories. It participates to about 30 French and International projects.

Engie Laborelec – partner

Laborelec, an entity of ENGIE Research & Innovation, is a leading centre of expertise and research in the area of electrical energy. Drawing on the skills of 375 specialist engineers and technicians, it provides applied R&D services, technical consulting and operational support, operating across the entire electricity value chain. Its services support a wide range of customers in electricity generation, transmission, distribution, storage, and end-use, with a particular focus on the energy transition and net zero carbon. Laborelec is a global player active in more than 60 countries and has offices in Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Latin America, and the Middle East.

Laborelec’s role in Hefaistos will consist in bringing its expertise in the Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage field, to contribute to and review work packages 2 and 3, led by ULB and Vito respectively.

VITO – partner

VITO is a leading European independent research and technology organisation in the areas of cleantech and sustainable development, elaborating solutions for the large societal challenges of today. The energy transition team at VITO has extensive expertise in energy and climate policy support, assisting the European Environment Agency (EEA) and the European Commission (EC) in shaping, monitoring, and assessing EU policies on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and emissions reduction.

VITO leads the quality control of policies and measures (PAMs) reported by EU member states, conducts ex-ante and ex-post policy assessments, and supports the development and evaluation of National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) to ensure alignment with EU targets. In electricity markets, VITO contributes to market design, renewable integration, and demand response, enhancing grid flexibility and efficiency. VITO’s energy modelling capabilities include system optimisation, scenario analysis, and integrated models for electricity, heating, and transport, supporting industry players, policy makers and enabling the EU’s transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future.

With our multidisciplinary knowledge in more than 40 areas of expertise and unique lab, data and test infrastructure, we accelerate innovations on the road to a future in which a circular economy, smart climate solutions and a healthy living environment become a reality. As one of Europe’s top research centres, VITO converts scientific insights into ground-breaking technological innovations, AI solutions and policy advice with 1,300 employees. We do so with one objective: to give our world a future to look forward to.

ULB (ATM) – partner

The Aero-Thermo-Mechanics (ATM) Department of Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) is a research unit within the Faculty of Applied Sciences. It includes 4 full-time professors, 7 technicians, and more than 80 researchers at PhD and Post-Doc level, administrative and technical staff. The department is actively involved in many Belgian and European research projects, fostering strong national and international collaborations.

The department specializes in the research covering a wide range of applications in fluid mechanics such as the lubrication of aircraft engines and tool machines, CFD, UAV, renewable energies, heat exchangers, helicopters, space propulsion, N2/O2 separation, microclimate. The group has been largely involved in research and industrial projects related to the use of hydrogen in mobility, energy communities, storage, compression, and safety-related aspects.

Additionally, ULB-ATM is also leader of the hydrogen thematic group within BERA (Belgian Energy Research Alliance), a member of the Board and of the Policy WG of Hydrogen Europe Research (HER), and a member the Board of the EERA JP FCH (European Energy Research Alliance Joint Program on Fuel Cells and Hydrogen).

ULB-ATM leads Work Packages 1 and 3, respectively on the security of supply of green hydrogen molecules and the technologies aiming to meet the high industrial demand for low-carbon solutions capable of supporting high-temperature industrial processes.

APERAM – partner

Aperam is a global materials science company specializing in stainless steel, electrical steel, and alloys. With production facilities primarily in Brazil and Europe, the company is dedicated to providing high-value, sustainable solutions for a diverse range of industries worldwide.

Sustainability is a core principle for Aperam. The company actively pursues environmentally responsible practices throughout its operations. This includes the efficient use of resources, the integration of circular economy principles, and a strong commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. Aperam sets ambitious environmental targets and invests in innovative technologies and processes to minimize its impact and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Innovation is a key driver for Aperam’s growth and development. The company continuously seeks new ways to enhance its products, optimize its manufacturing processes, and develop cutting-edge solutions for evolving customer needs. This focus on innovation allows Aperam to offer advanced materials with superior performance and sustainability characteristics.