While decentralized, SUEZ research is not fragmented. It draws on partnerships with the French Atomic Energy Commission and with universities in Belgium (on Energy), China (on training), France and the United States (on Water). Relative to Energy, the Group partnered in 2002 with universities in the Lille area at a National Center for Technology Research to study "electricity grids of the future." Partially financed by the Innovation Fund, this research project is using modeling and simulation to examine the possibilities of networking small production units such as cogeneration plants and micro turbines.
To improve innovation's productivity, SUEZ takes a selective approach and focuses efforts on a limited number of projects, establishing priorities in each of its business lines. In Energy, the Group focuses on sustainable development and the environment, operating efficiency, the quality of energy services and energy supply, rational energy use, knowledge management and remote activity technologies (e.g. remote auditing, consulting and maintenance).
