The European Defence Agency (EDA) organised the second CF SEDSS III Energy Technology Solutions (ETS) Conference and an exhibition under the auspices of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union and hosted by the Ministry of Defence of Spain, with the support of Engineering Systems for the Defence of Spain.
The conference and the exhibition were held as part of the Consultation Forum for Sustainable Energy in the Defence and Security Sector (CF SEDSS III), whose plenary meeting also took place this week in Malaga.
Gathering over 180 experts and 17 company exhibitors, these events were dedicated to 'Greening defence with innovative energy technologies'. The focus allowed the CF SEDSS community to engage with industry, academia, and other research and technology organisations, expanding and sharing knowledge on cutting-edge energy solutions that can be applied in the defence sector.
CF SEDSS ETS Conference: Advancing Innovation in Defence
The objective of this conference was to ensure that the defence sector will be at the forefront of innovative clean energy technologies while preparing for the transformative 2030 energy landscape. The event was opened by Jean-François Ripoche, EDA Director of Research, Technology and Innovation, Lieutenant General Luis Cebrián Carbonell, Director of Infrastructures Directorate, Ministry of Defence, and Jesús Alonso Martín, Business Development Director, ISDEFE. Ricardo Martí Fluxá of the Spanish Association of Defence, Security, Aeronautics and Space Technological Companies delivered the keynote speech.
In his address, Ripoche underlined the Agency’s longstanding commitment to collaborative innovation, evidenced by the establishment of the Hub for EU Defence Innovation (HEDI). “Through initiatives like the CF SEDSS and Symbiosis projects, alongside HEDI, we are aiming to enhance mutual collaboration, leading to collaborative multinational research and projects.”
Cebrián Carbonell underlined that “Europe has consistently been at the forefront of technological advancements, and this event serves as a platform to highlight the incredible strides made in sustainable energy solutions for defence applications. These advancements hold immense potential for broader societal applications.”
Alonso Martín highlighted that ISDEFE has been pivotal in energy strategy and policy development, enhancing energy efficiency and advancing renewable, low-carbon technologies to decarbonise our economy. He also indicated that by collaborating with the Spanish Ministry of Defence, EDA, and other key sectors, ISDEFE's contributions exemplify its commitment to a sustainable future.
CF SEDSS Technology Exhibition: Bridging Defence and Private Sector for Collaborative Innovation
ETS panel discussions provided insights on how renewable energy sources and green hydrogen might play a crucial role in greening defence in the context of EU climate targets for 2030 and beyond. Speakers also addressed the practical limitations of deploying self-sufficient clean energy solutions at military bases and the potential benefits of synthetic fuels as a back-up energy source.
Also, the ETS exhibition featured stands where 17 companies showcased innovative sustainable energy technologies, services and products of interest to the defence sector, such as: energy storage, Passivhaus standard incorporating renewable energy sources and hydrogen storage, innovative system solutions for mobile and stationary use of electricity, sustainable modular construction systems, electronic energy systems, production, distribution, and consumption of renewable and low carbon hydrogen, electro-hydrogen gensets, fuel cell systems and energy generations systems, wind power solutions and energy-efficient and resilient military camps.
Next CF SEDSS III event
The CF SEDSS dissemination event will take place on 25 April 2024 under the auspices of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU and hosted by the Belgian Ministry of Defence. This will be the final event of CF SEDSS Phase III, where project results and outputs achieved in the last four years will be presented.
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