Energy

Powering a sustainable world

In the energy domain, imec’s research focuses on key technologies for the future smart energy grid and ambient sensor network. Networks in which both energy and intelligence will be generated, stored, transported, and consumed in a smart and sustainable way.

Solar energy generation. In the field of photovoltaics, imec’s key areas of attention are thin-film solar cells (in the frame of Solliance) and silicon-based solar cells. With our partners, we work on improving the efficiency, industrial manufacturability, and cost of a number of advanced technologies for the coming decade.

Switching energy. The future smart grid will run on mass-produced, microsized power-electronics, such as power inverters. To fabricate these components, imec is developing a cost- and power-efficient technology: galliumnitride-on-silicon (GaN-on-Si).

Storing energy. In the field of energy storage, we are laying the groundwork for future 3D-batteries, which will have a higher power and energy density than today’s thin-film or Li-Ion batteries.

Saving energy. One way to reduce the use of energy is to increase the efficiency of lighting, which today still consumes up to a quarter of all generated electricity. At imec, we focus on improving galliumnitride high-brightness LEDs.

Contact: Philip Pieters, Business development director
Phone: +32 16 28 12 59
Mail:Philip.Pieters@imec.be