Carnot ISIFoR

 ISIFoR supports you in your R&D projects focused on subsurface energy and environmental challenges

An ecosystem of competences dedicated to geosciences

With almost 800 researchers (FTE) in 11 laboratories, and an seven-strong operational team, ISIFoR has become a force to be reckoned with in its field of study owing to the many attributes of a region actively involved, and long-since recognised as a leader, in the extraction of georesources. ISIFoR also relies on its parent institutions: the UPPA (University of Pau and the Adour region), the National Polytechnic Institute of Toulouse, the University of Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, the University of Bordeaux Montaigne, the National Polytechnic Institute of Bordeaux, the CNRS, the IRD and the CNES. 

Its knowledge of scientific disciplines (geochemistry, analytical sciences and physical-chemistry, microbiology, materials science, fluid mechanics, geosciences, mathematics, engineering sciences and social and legal sciences) applied to the specificities of the subsurface and of complex fluids, in association with a world-class network of instrumental platforms enabling it to cover an extensive range of competencies, all contribute to making ISIFoR a key player in national and international research.   

Target markets

• Energy
• Environment
• Natural resources

An ecosystem of competencies dedicated to georesources
 

With almost 800 researchers (FTEs) in 11 laboratories, and a seven-strong operational team, ISIFoR has become a force to be reckoned with in its field of study owing to the many attributes of a region actively involved, and long-since recognised as a leader, in the extraction of georesources. ISIFoR also relies on its parent institutions: the University of Pau and the Adour region, the National Polytechnic Institute of Toulouse, the University of Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, the University of Bordeaux Montaigne, the National Polytechnic Institute of Bordeaux, the CNRS, the IRD and the CNES. 

Its knowledge of scientific disciplines (geochemistry, analytical sciences and physical-chemistry, microbiology, materials science, fluid mechanics, geosciences, mathematics, engineering sciences and social and legal sciences) applied to the specificities of the subsurface and of complex fluids, in association with a world-class network of instrumental platforms enabling it to cover an extensive range of competencies, all contribute to making ISIFoR a key player in national and international research. 

ISIFoR and the challenge of the energy transition

Georesources and their players are expected to play a decisive role in the energy transition – a gradual and complex process that will be characterised by the diversification of energy sources.

The ISIFoR Carnot institute has adopted a key position at the heart of subsurface energy and environmental challenges through two strategic focuses:

• improving the environmental performance of georesource production processes,
• promoting the energy and ecological transition (by developing decarbonisation). 

It also intends to be more proactive in taking into account the contributions of human and social sciences and to give priority to ensuring the social acceptability of innovations within the global framework of the energy transition.

Research turned towards businesses

ISIFoR’s objective is to foster development by encouraging businesses to innovate on mature markets such as oil and natural gas, as well as on new markets like underground energy storage, green gases (hydrogen, biomethane), the management of multi-energy grids, geothermal energy, and so on. To meet this objective, the ISIFoR Carnot institute is building sustainable contractual relationships with industrial partners through common theses, long-term partnerships (joint laboratories, Chairs), and actions more specifically focused on SME and ISE for example. 

Know-How and Skills

• GEOSCIENCES: reservoir characterization, monitoring, high performance scientific computing, basin analysis, seismic and seismotectonic imaging, thermochronology, gravimetry, fluids interactions-boulders, experimental geochemistry.
• ENGINEERING SCIENCES: physical chemistry of oil fl uids and interfaces, fluid mechanics, multiphase flow, geomechanics, fracturing processes, enhanced recovery, heavy crude oil, acid gas, wastewater treatment, heat transfer, high voltage method, CO2 sequestration, safety procedures and organization of production.
• MATHEMATICS: numerical simulation, functioning safety, statistical analysis and data analysis by imaging, modelling and mathematical analysis, porous media.
• CHEMISTRY: analysis, characterization and dating, microbial oil degradation, surfactant and polymers for enhanced recovery process (solubilisation-emulsifi cation), experimental geochemistry.
• SOCIAL SCIENCES: environmental impacts of human activities. Contamination of natural habitats, social and political dynamics, human health hazard.