Focus on a partner: S2E2
Some of these industry players are part of the S2E2 cluster. S2E2 is a competitiveness cluster specializing in energy. It focuses on four strategic areas: smart electrical grids, smart buildings and territories, electrical systems for mobility, and materials and components for electronics. Its mission is to stimulate and support collaborative R&D projects between companies, research centers, and educational institutions across three regions (Centre-Val de Loire, Pays de la Loire, Nouvelle-Aquitaine).
Beyond projects, S2E2 also serves its 241 members by offering a comprehensive innovation support program in the context of climate change and green growth. However, innovation in the field of energy requires consideration of new performance requirements. This particularly concerns the materials used in innovations and their behavior under extreme conditions: energy efficiency, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, resistance to corrosion, UV, or deformation (compression, tension, torsion, etc.). This is one of the reasons why the S2E2 cluster is fully involved in the ARD MATEX, notably through the co-animation of the Industrial Club, the organization of events, the study of the regional industrial landscape, and reflections on the future Carnot Institute.
Energy stakeholders face challenges with materials under extreme conditions, such as WattWay, which develops a photovoltaic road: resistance to tire abrasion, compression due to vehicle weight, thermal shocks between winter freezing and summer heatwaves, corrosion in case of road salting, or exposure to chemicals in the event of fuel or chemical leaks.
