The Atomic Energy and Alternative Energy Commission (CEA, Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives), is a public establishment devoted to scientific, technical and industrial research and development, under the authority of the Ministries of Energy, Research, Industry and Defence. The CEA conducts a part of its research in the framework of the French nuclear deterrent programme. It also provides technology to strengthen security in the face of new hazards such as terrorism and cyber attack, and to upgrade response to earthquakes and tsunamis.
As a key player for energy research, the CEA mobilises its expertise and multidisciplinary competencies to propose innovative technological solutions to address major societal challenges, such as energy transition, nuclear and renewable energy, and understanding the mechanisms of climate change. The CEA follows a research strategy encompassing the whole energy system, focusing simultaneously on means of electrical power production, both nuclear and renewable (solar), improving energy efficiency and dynamic adjustment of supply and demand through energy storage (batteries), the use of hydrogen as an energy vector, or smart power grids.
The CEA serves France’s competitiveness by impelling the development of technology to meet the needs of research, industry and society, transferring knowledge, skills and technology to industry, and valorising research findings. In the health sector, the CEA is part of the considerable progress made in biology and genomics, and the advances in imaging technology and medical devices. The meshing of biotechnologies, nanotechnologies and IT is forming tomorrow’s healthcare. In pursuing its aims, the CEA is supported by dynamic fundamental research, both in-house and through its many partnerships with other research bodies, local authorities and universities. It is a stakeholder in national alliances coordinating French research in multiple domains. With expert status in its domains of competence, the CEA plays a full part in the European Research Area, and is increasingly active internationally.
