From 4th to 6th March, 2024, the MINATEC Conference Center in Grenoble, France, hosted the 3rd INDY All Partners Event. Organized by CEA and TECES, this event marked a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts of INDY project partners, aimed at advancing dual-use energy technologies for military applications.

Bringing together over 110 INDY project partners, including beneficiaries, subcontractors and affiliates as well as invited stakeholders, alongside 14 INDY End-User Advisory Board members, representatives from Ministries of Defence (MoD), the event underlined the collective commitment to the Future Energy Independent and Efficient Deployable Military Camps (EEMC) initiative.

Event Focus

Nestled in the vibrant city of Grenoble, renowned for its historical significance and technological prowess, the event leveraged the resources of the CEA complex and the MINATEC Conference Center. Participants immersed themselves in Grenoble's rich cultural heritage, engaged in productive discussions at the conference center, and savored an unforgettable evening at the iconic La Bastille fort, fostering an environment conducive to collaboration and innovation.

Central to the event's agenda was the exploration of innovative solutions and strategies of different INDY workgroups to address the energy challenges faced by military camps. Under the overarching theme of "Toward EEMC 2050," participants engaged in discussions, presentations, and workshops aimed at fostering collaboration, sharing insights, and shaping the future trajectory of the INDY Project and energy landscape in the defence sector.

Key Highlights

The event unfolded over three dynamic days, each offering a rich tapestry of activities designed to inspire, inform, and empower participants. The event included an array of workshops, 16 presentations and 6 exhibitions of dual-use energy technologies, and networking opportunities between project partners, industrial stakeholders and government representatives.

Day 1

The inaugural day commenced with parallel workshop sessions, each led by industry experts renowned in their respective fields. Workshops delved into critical topics such as energy mix, hydrogen technologies, and the testing of essential components, providing attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the technological landscape. Additionally, participants had the unique opportunity to virtually explore the CEA showroom, gaining firsthand insights into cutting-edge research and developments. The day concluded with a welcome dinner in restaurant La Bouillon A, where participants enjoyed French cuisine, exchanged ideas and forged new connections for future collaboration.

Day 2

The momentum continued on the second day, with sessions focusing on the intricacies of EEMC design, energy planning, and risk mitigation. Moderated by esteemed industry leaders, these sessions featured presentations that underscored the importance of robust infrastructure, interoperability, and cyber protection in the context of future military deployments. A strategic networking session provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss procurement procedures, demonstrations, and end-user training needs, fostering collaboration and alignment of objectives. Welcome session was moderated by Jean-Xavier CHABANE, Head of Defence Program, CEA; with welcome speeches given by:

  • Jean-Xavier CHABANE, CEA, even host
  • Lt. Col. Raphael DANINO-PERRAUD, FR MoD
  • Pierre-Jean RIBEYRON, CEA-Liten
  • Col Robert ŠIPEC, Si MoD, INDY End-User Advisory Board Chair
  • Matej GAJZER, TECES, INDY Project Coordinator

Insights into INDY project progress were given by:

  • Life cycle evaluation, interoperability, standardization, and cyber protection of EEMC, Jorge RAMOS, INDRA
  • Energy planning and simulation for energy-independent deployable camps, Bernard THONON, CEA, Urban ŽVAR BAŠKOVIČ, UNI LJ
  • EEMC energy mix technologies and systems, Yvonne van DELFT, TNO
  • Hydrogen technologies and systems for EEMC, Emeline COMPAN, HENSOLDT
  • EEMC risk mitigation for critical components, Tanel JARVET, CAFA-TECH & Ludovic OLLIVIER, HENSOLDT

Last session of the day was a parallel session between General assembly (GA) for INDY members, reviewing our progress so far and planning activities for second reporting period; and End user advisory board (EAB) for representatives of MoDs to align their expectations and needs of the future.

Second day concluded with the Official dinner, organised in the magnificent The Bastille, a military fort built in the 19th century on a hill which also gives it its name. Overlooking the Grenoble metropolis, it can be reached thanks to the famous Grenoble cable car. The view is breathtaking. The welcome speech was given by General CATAR, Commander of the 27th Moutain Infantry Brigade.

Day 3

The final day of the event was dedicated to Looking forward sessions, where participants collectively reviewed project outcomes and charted a course for future activities. Feedback from the End-User Advisory Board offered invaluable insights into aligning project goals with the evolving needs of individual European Ministries of Defence. As the event drew to a close, sessions on methods and dissemination, moderated by the event host Bernard THONON, CEA, provided participants with practical strategies for project implementation and knowledge sharing, ensuring that the momentum generated during the event would translate into tangible outcomes. Insights were given by:

  • Procurement procedures for emerging energy technologies and EEMC solutions, led by Jean Pierre MAULNY, IRIS
  • EEMC Demonstration, led by Talha GUENDUEZ, RHEINMETALL PROJECT SOLUTIONS
  • EEMC end-user training needs, led by Shvea JARVET, CAFA-TECH
  • EU cluster on military/dual-use energy technologies and solutions, led by Matej GAJZER, TECES

Conclusion

In summary, the 3rd All Partners Event of the INDY Project served as a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose of all participants. By bringing together a diverse array of stakeholders and experts, the event not only fostered the exchange of knowledge and expertise but also laid the groundwork for transformative advancements in dual-use energy technologies. As participants departed Grenoble, they carried with them not only the insights gained but also a renewed sense of commitment to the vision of building energy-independent and efficient military camps for the future.

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