SCE France, as a subsidiary of Hydro-Québec, will set up a laboratory dedicated to research and technology transfer in the Aquitaine region to develop lithium-iron-phosphate-based batteries and carry out research on new battery technologies that use advanced materials.

Forecasts for energy storage and conservation show strong growth. The main areas of application include integrating renewable energy (wind, hydrokinetic, solar, hydro), fast-charging networks for electric vehicles, both hybrid and all-electric, and emergency power supply systems.

In July 2014, Hydro-Québec and the Regional Council of Aquitaine signed an agreement signalling their interest in collaborating in the field of advanced battery materials for transportation electrification.

Hydro-Québec’s research institute, IREQ, is a global leader in the development of advanced materials for battery manufacturing and creates leading edge processes from its state of the art facilities. IREQ holds more than 800 patent rights and 40 licenses for battery materials used by some of the world’s most successful battery manufacturers and materials suppliers.

Its areas of expertise include energy storage and it works with private sector companies in Québec to build charging stations for all-electric and hybrid vehicles, as part of its research program.