Project presentation

e∙sense structures and supports the energy transition of territories and regional actors towards a sustainable, efficient, and autonomous model.

What is e∙sense?

e∙sense (Energy Storage SciENce for Sustainable arEas)

e∙sense (Energy Storage SciENce for Sustainable arEas)  is a winning project of the PIA 4 call for proposals, “Excellence in all its forms,” funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR) for a period of 10 years. e∙sense has a bold ambition: to better understand and address the challenges of energy transition at the regional level and beyond.
This initiative is based on a transdisciplinary approach that combines energy production, storage, and use, in line with the realities and impacts of a region undergoing rapid reindustrialization.
To achieve this, e∙sense will draw on a unique collective dynamic. The project brings together 20 multidisciplinary research units from the A2U Alliance (UPJV, ULCO, University of Artois), as well as a committed network of industrial partners (WeLoop, Verkor, etc.) and local authorities (Region, cities of Amiens, Arras, Dunkerque, etc.). Together, they cover 87% of the regional territory and form a real accelerator for the energy transition.

A cross-disciplinary approach to energy issues

Innovation will require a transdisciplinary approach that systematically integrates knowledge from the fields of energy production, storage, and consumption, as well as the social sciences and humanities, so that tomorrow’s energy systems can be co-created with citizens, local communities, and industry.
This strong commitment is illustrated by our partners’ involvement in the project design, their financial contributions, and their central role in the governance of E∙sense.

e∙sense is structured around five strategic objectives that will bring about structural change at UPJV and the A2U alliance:

Advance our knowledge of the energy value chain

to make it more sustainable and better suited to the region.

Train future leaders in science and innovation

who are capable of meeting the future challenges of energy storage and its applications. The creation of the e∙sense graduate school will transform the way we conduct research and teaching, based on the principles of an open, transdisciplinary program and learning through research.

Open up energy research to society

by developing our participatory research initiatives in the HdF region in order to better utilize the potential of citizen science. Strengthen scientific mediation in order to increase knowledge and understanding of the energy challenges we face and the solutions to address them.

Strengthen collaboration with industrial partners

to deepen existing relationships and carry out more ambitious projects, as well as create new ones, both in our region and abroad.

Improve the international reputation of the UPJV and the A2U alliance

in the field of energy sciences by recruiting high-level scientists, promoting student mobility, and increasing international collaborations.

Key actions

Promoting research

by funding scholarships, thesis projects, and postdoctoral fellowships

An immersive laboratory phase

e∙sense will give students the opportunity to participate in an immersive laboratory phase, where they will learn and work on a concrete scientific research and innovation project.

Deployment of training blocks

to broaden the educational offering and understand energy in all its forms. e∙sense will offer skill sets to deepen knowledge on energy topics, promoting a multidisciplinary approach.

Action with and for citizens

e.sense includes a science communication component aimed at bringing research closer to the general public. Popularization, exchange, and dialogue initiatives will be implemented with the community to make scientific knowledge accessible and understandable to all.