During the 3rd FlexRICAN Consortium Meeting held in Le Bourget-du-Lac and Grenoble, France, on April 9-11, we hosted an exploitation panel with external guests. The objective of such an initiative was to bring together thought leaders outside of the consortium and expand the outlook on the exploitation potential of the project outcomes.
The Exploitation Panel held on April 10 at LNCMI brought together researchers, engineers, and industry leaders to explore how large-scale Research Infrastructures (RIs) can become more sustainable and energy flexible. Panel speakers coming from different domains, yet unified with one focus – sustainability, brought their unique perspectives and best practices to the discussion. Moderated by Marion Perrin, Research Director at Energy Pool, the panel showcased diverse approaches and highlighted the importance of collaboration, life cycle analysis (LCA), and innovative design.
At the heart of the discussion was the FlexRICAN project – an EU-backed, 36-month project aimed at unlocking energy flexibility in RIs and how the outcomes of the FlexRICAN project can benefit the largest possible number of stakeholders. These facilities, often energy-intensive, have significant untapped potential to contribute to the stability and sustainability of the electricity grid.
Ortwin Renn, Scientific Director at the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS), opened the conversation with a systemic view on sustainability, reminding attendees that sustainability is not just about kilowatt-hours saved, but a balance of ecological, economic, and social goals. Dr. Renn emphasised the importance of evaluating full life cycles, making trade-offs wisely, and fostering cross-departmental cooperation.
Christian Nevo, Head of Technical Infrastructure Division at ESRF, shared exemplary energy efficiency measures implemented at the facility, including the use of permanent magnets, optimised voltage systems, and a new heat pump system with a sub-four-year return on investment. Despite these achievements, he acknowledged diminishing returns on energy efficiency and the need to shift focus to carbon reduction and integration with broader energy ecosystems.
Hannah Wakeling, Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Particle Accelerator Environmental Sustainability at Oxford’s John Adams Institute, presented preliminary insights from the LCA of the future ISIS neutron source upgrade. Dr. Wakeling’s work revealed how energy source choices dramatically affect overall carbon impact and identified accelerators and cryogenics as primary hotspots for intervention to minimise this impact. She advocates for early LCA integration in design to guide sustainable decision-making.
Max Collins, Industrial Liaison Officer at Big Science Sweden, shared a compelling case of knowledge transfer between ABB and CERN, showcasing a 20% energy efficiency gain. He emphasised the importance of engaging industry early and identifying synergies between research and commercial application.
The panel agreed on the following recommendations:
- prioritize holistic life cycle analysis
- integrate flexibility without compromising reliability
- engage stakeholders—including industry and the public—through storytelling and transparent communication
As we are coming to the end of the first half of the project, the panel has left the consortium members and participants with the urgency and opportunity to translate technical advances into broader societal benefits. With the contributions from FlexRICAN, the path forward lies in designing RIs that are not only scientifically cutting-edge but also sustainable, adaptive, and impactful beyond their walls.
To view the recording of the Exploitation Panel, click on the video below or check the FlexRICAN YouTube channel.
This article has been written by Marion Perrin, Research Director at Energy Pool and contributor to the FlexRICAN project in a technical and administrative capacity.
