Total announces the signing of a research agreement with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to develop new stationary batteries that are designed to enable the storage of solar power.
This agreement valued at $4 million over five years is part of the MIT Energy Initiative, which Total joined as a member in November 2008.
The Total-MIT research project is primarily focused on development of a low-cost, long-life battery suited to store the power generated by solar panels. The ability to store power is a major challenge and an essential ingredient for the scale up and widespread deployment of affordable solar power.
This research agreement marks a significant step forward in Total's research and development of alternative energies, particularly in accelerating the development and deployment of solar power.
At the signing of this agreement, Philippe Boisseau, Total's President of Gas & Power, stated, "This research partnership with MIT, one of the world's leading research and academic institutions, is a major step forward in Total's R&D commitment to developing alternative energy sources. Our partnership with MIT and its Energy Initiative will support groundbreaking research, designed to meet the needs of energy consumers."
Ernest Moniz, Director of the MIT Energy Initiative program said: "Total's support for research in the storage of solar energy has the potential to be a game-changer. We applaud their commitment and look forward to working with them to develop low-cost storage options that could enable affordable, reliable energy from renewable sources."
Total and solar energy
Total has been active in solar energy since 1983 through its interest in two companies, Tenesol and Photovoltech. Photovoltech produces photovoltaic cells based on a crystalline silicon technology. Tenesol specializes in designing, manufacturing, marketing and operating photovoltaic energy systems.
In December 2008, Total became a core industrial shareholder in U.S. startup Konarka, specialized in organic photovoltaic technology after Total Gas & Power USA (SAS) underwrote a share issue to acquire a stake slightly less than 20%.
Total R&D
Total's R&D activities are designed to continuously improve energy-related processes. They focus on four main poles : knowledge of energy resources to optimize their development, operational reliability and energy efficiency, competitive products, and environmental issues. With an R&D budget of €770 million in 2009, Total has 22 R&D centers and more than 4,000 researchers worldwide. The Group also has more than 600 partnership agreements with dedicated research organizations, universities and leading manufacturers.
