IFP Energies nouvelles

Their core work

IFPEN is a major French public research center focused on energy transition, particularly in carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), advanced combustion engines, and renewable energy technologies. They develop processes and technologies that bridge fundamental research and industrial deployment — from CO2 capture chemistry (like their proprietary DMX process) to next-generation powertrain design for cleaner transport. Their work spans subsurface geoscience, chemical engineering, catalysis, and energy system modeling, making them a versatile partner for both fossil-to-clean transition projects and direct renewable energy development.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early H2020 period (2015–2018), IFPEN concentrated heavily on internal combustion engine optimization — cleaner diesel, gasoline, and gas engines with reduced emissions and improved efficiency. From 2019 onward, there is a decisive pivot toward CCUS technologies: CO2 capture processes, geological storage planning, and European CCUS infrastructure development became dominant themes, alongside growing work in batteries and electric mobility. This shift mirrors the broader European energy policy trajectory from incremental engine improvements toward decarbonization and industrial carbon management.

IFPEN is rapidly repositioning from combustion engine expertise toward industrial decarbonization — particularly CCUS deployment, battery systems, and CO2 valorization — making them an increasingly relevant partner for net-zero industry projects.

How they like to work

IFPEN overwhelmingly operates as a consortium partner (28 of 33 projects), contributing deep technical expertise rather than leading project management. With 370 unique partners across 30 countries, they function as a well-connected hub — widely trusted across European research networks. Their four coordinator roles (EAGLE, 3D, MODALIS2, and one other) tend to be in areas where they hold proprietary technology, such as the DMX CO2 capture process, suggesting they lead when they own the core IP.

IFPEN maintains an exceptionally broad network of 370 unique consortium partners spanning 30 countries, placing them among the most connected research organizations in European energy R&D. Their collaborations stretch from Western European industrial partners to China (CHEERS project), with strong pan-European coverage.

What sets them apart

IFPEN's distinctive strength is their dual expertise in both fossil fuel systems and clean energy transition technologies — they understand the industrial processes that need decarbonizing AND the capture/conversion technologies to do it. Few organizations can credibly bridge petroleum refining, engine combustion, subsurface geology, and renewable chemistry under one roof. For consortium builders, this means IFPEN can contribute to projects spanning the full energy transition value chain, from diagnosing emission sources to deploying capture and conversion solutions.

Highlights from their portfolio

• 3D
  IFPEN coordinates this flagship CCS demonstration project in Dunkirk, showcasing their proprietary DMX capture process on real blast furnace gas — a rare example of lab-to-industrial-site progression.
• LONGRUN
  Their largest single EC contribution (EUR 2.4M) developing long-distance powertrains for heavy trucks using renewable fuels — signals trust in IFPEN for high-budget transport decarbonization work.
• STRATEGY CCUS
  Strategic planning of European CCUS infrastructure including development scenarios, cluster identification, and Southern/Eastern Europe deployment — positions IFPEN as a CCUS policy-shaping voice.