Hugo Hamburger

Subject: Coupling optimisation method for energy system planning
Start: September 2023
Collaboration: RTE, PERSEE MINES Paris PSL

Hugo Hamburger’s work aims to couple different optimisation models—particularly Antares (dispatch simulation) and OSeMOSYS (investment planning)—to better anticipate the trajectories of the European energy mix by 2050.

His approach makes it possible to balance accuracy and performance by integrating the complex interactions between electricity, hydrogen, and heat within a forward-looking perspective.

The objective is to improve the reliability and quality of the proposed investment pathways while optimising computational cost.

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Thibaut Knibiehly

Subject: Optimisation of operation and planning of an industrial multi-energy hub
Start: September 2023
Collaboration: RTE, PERSEE MINES Paris PSL

The decarbonisation of the energy system in 2050 will lead to a significant change in the industrial sector. The need for fossil fuels will gradually be replaced by a demand of electricity, biofuels or e-fuels (hydrogen, e-methane, bio-methane, low-temperature heat, etc.). At the same time, the electricity grid is phasing out emitting thermal generation while integrating renewable energy sources, creating new needs to ensure adequacy between production and consumption, particularly in terms of storage. Modelling the conversions between energy vectors makes it possible to reduce the costs of decarbonisation, by optimising the deployment of new infrastructure.

The aim of this thesis is to study a problem of optimal pathways of a multi-energy system by modelling an industrial energy hub.

The questions to be studied are:

• What are the optimal technologies in terms of cost for the supply of industrial process heat?
• What is the role of storage and especially heat storage at the scale of an industrial site?
• For industrial heat supply, is hybridization between fossil and electric technologies cost optimal for the transition to net zero?
• What are the optimal investments at the scale of a multi-platform industrial hub minimising the system costs under several techno-economic scenarios?

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Yoann Chiche

Subject: Coupling of Smart Grids Between Transmission and Distribution Networks
Start: September 2024
Collaboration: MINES Paris PSL, TotalEnergies OneTech

Yoann Chiche’s PhD research explores the multi-scale integration of electric vehicles (EVs) by analysing the impact of their deployment and flexibility on the consistency between different layers of the power system, from transmission to distribution. The main objective is to improve coordination between transmission system operators (TSOs) and distribution system operators (DSOs) by aligning their investment strategies in the distribution network with various scenarios for the development of electric mobility and the valorisation of associated flexibilities.

The work is based on detailed modelling of EV usage and the spatial evolution of charging infrastructure. It examines all available flexibility levers, whether driven by tariff signals or smart charging mechanisms (V1G, V2G), and studies how activating these flexibilities at a given scale (local or regional) influences other levels of the system.

These analyses will make it possible to estimate the real cost of multi-scale EV integration and to identify the coordination mechanisms needed for electric mobility to contribute optimally, consistently, and intelligently to the overall flexibility of the energy system.

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Maria Berchiche

Subject: Integrating CO2 resources into territorial energy planning
Start: November 2024
Collaboration: MINES Paris PSL, GRTgaz

Maria Berchiche’s research focuses on integrating the full CO₂ management chain—capture, transport, storage and utilisation—into energy planning models.
Her approach combines detailed spatial modelling with multi-scale analysis, from industrial clusters to the European level, in order to identify optimal investment pathways for CO₂ infrastructure by 2050.

The objective is to develop a robust and operational modelling framework to support public and private stakeholders in planning infrastructure that is compatible with climate targets.

Maria brings an essential strategic dimension to PlaneTerr: decarbonisation through circular carbon, in direct connection with other energy vectors.

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Anaëlle Jodry

Subject: Decision support for the deployment of hydrogen technologies at the scale of a territory
Thesis defense: December 2023
Collaboration : MINES Paris PSL, Air Liquide

Anaëlle Jodry’s PhD focused on optimising investment pathways in hydrogen production and distribution systems at the territorial level. Her work proposes an operational methodological framework enabling public and industrial stakeholders to assess the role of hydrogen in the energy transition, particularly within industrial clusters.

Drawing on an integrated multi-energy model and taking into account cross-sector interactions, she studied prospective scenarios applied to the Fos-sur-Mer industrial basin. Her methodology highlights the key factors driving the development of hydrogen ecosystems: changes in electricity prices, the cost of CO₂ capture, industrial synergies, and land availability for renewable energy.

Her work represents a major contribution to the decision-support tools developed at the PERSEE centre and is fully aligned with the decarbonisation and multi-energy planning challenges addressed by PlaneTerr.

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Quentin Raillard-Cazanove

Subject: Modelling the decarbonisation of industry and its impact on the electricity system
Thesis defense: December 2024
Collaboration : MINES Paris PSL

Quentin Raillard–Cazanove’s PhD focused on analysing industrial decarbonisation pathways and their impacts on the French and European power systems. His work proposes a detailed, bottom-up modelling of industrial site energy consumption, incorporating process evolution, electrification of uses, and the growing role of key technologies such as CCUS and low-carbon hydrogen.

By combining techno-economic modelling, multi-energy foresight, and optimisation of the power system, Quentin examines how the transformation of high-emission sectors—steel, chemicals, and materials—affects electricity demand, required infrastructure, and the overall energy system balance. His work highlights industry–energy synergies, grid constraints, the importance of cross-border exchanges, and the risks of regional imbalances in the absence of coherent industrial and energy policies.

This PhD has been a central contribution to PlaneTerr: it couples macro-industrial modelling with power system modelling, enabling analysis of trade-offs between electrification, new energy vectors, and multi-energy infrastructure. It also provides a foundation for the methodological developments of other PhDs within the project.

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