Our history:
The SET-Plan roadmap stresses the importance of fostering basic science as a way to obtain breakthrough for future emerging technologies, and as a source of fundamental problem-solving during technology development. A potential Basic Science for Energy Joint Programme, aiming at these two goals, was the subject of a first seminar in Paris (May 3rd, 2010), after which a first document was produced and an awareness event was organised to widen the interest in this Joint Programme initiative (November 23rd, 2010). According to discussions in the first three meetings (January, March, June 2011), it turned out that the most interesting topics, and those where European research would be the most effective, would be about basic materials science, physical chemistry of processes, heat and mass transfer phenomena and dedicated powerful tools to characterise materials and energy devices (especially on large scale facilities). The Joint Programme was renamed: AMPEA, which stands for Advanced Materials and Processes for Energy Applications.
Our mission:
AMPEA aims to develop new horizons for science for energy, visible in Europe at the industrial and political level. Thus, our main objective is to harness and integrate materials science and process innovation for high performance sustainable energy technologies, in order to enhance the long-term competitiveness of European Industry. AMPEA works in close coordination with other EERA-JPs and Universities (European Platform of Universities Engaged In Energy Research - EPUE) to bridge fundamental and applied research fields, while liaising with industry through a partnership with EMIRI (Energy Materials Industrial Research Initiative (http://emiri.eu/)). AMPEA and EERA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with EMIRI in 2015 and their cooperation activities dates back to 2014. Presently, AMPEA gathers 28 public research organizations and universities from 12 European countries. Participation of new organizations is under discussion.
Our organization:
AMPEA uses a ‘matrix organization structure’ incorporating the capacity of 3 “Tools” sub-programmes (SPs) corresponding to generic research areas to that of “Applications” SPs related to priority emerging energy challenges and domains (see Figure). Presently, these Tools and Applications SPs are comprised of
SP-Tools:
- SP1: New materials
- SP2: Physical modelling – Multiscale modelling of materials, processes and devices
- SP3: Characterisation platforms for materials and devices
And
SP-Applications
- SPA: Artificial photosynthesis,
- SPB: Materials in extreme operating conditions
- SPC: Low-temperature heat recovery.
Other Application SPs will be created as they become prevalent in the AMPEA community, and more generally, recognized by the EERA members.