CERN researchers are contributing to a growing number of projects aimed at developing technological solutions to environmental challenges—from fusion power and marine pollution detection to renewable energy distribution and cleaner aviation. These initiatives, carried out with academic and industrial partners, are coordinated through the CERN Innovation Programme for Environmental Applications (CIPEA), led by Enrico Chesta.
CIPEA launched in 2022 with eight projects and has since expanded to encompass more than 25 environment-focused innovation efforts designed to make an impact beyond CERN’s own footprint. These projects span four strategic areas: low-carbon energy; clean transportation and future mobility; climate change and pollution control; and sustainability and green science.
On 28 October, in conjunction with the International Day of Climate Action, 12 speakers presented progress across CIPEA’s diverse portfolio, illustrating how CERN technologies are being adapted to address real-world environmental challenges.
Fusion and Next-Generation Energy Systems
The event opened with discussions about fusion energy—a promising potential source of abundant, carbon-free electricity. CERN’s expertise in areas such as high-temperature superconducting magnets, cryogenics, and advanced materials testing overlaps significantly with the engineering demands of nuclear fusion systems.
Innovations in Energy Transmission, Pollution Detection, and Clean Manufacturing
Several other projects highlighted at the showcase include:
Superconducting Energy Transmission Cables
A collaboration with SuperNode is using CERN’s vacuum and cryogenic expertise to develop superconducting power-transmission cables that can deliver renewable electricity more efficiently over long distances.
Edge SpAIce: Detecting Marine Plastic Pollution From Space
This initiative leverages CERN’s artificial intelligence technologies to identify and track marine plastic pollution using satellite imagery.
Structured Laser Beam Technology
Originally developed at CERN for ultra-precise alignment work, the structured laser beam is now being deployed by Dutch startup InPhocal—part of the CERN Venture Connect programme—to mark food and beverage packaging without relying on toxic printing inks.
The structured laser beam is one example of how CERN’s internal research tools can evolve into industrial technologies with environmental benefits.
A Model Built on Collaboration
The event emphasized the critical role of industry partnerships in scaling CERN innovations. More than 80% of the financial support for CIPEA projects comes from external collaborators.
While some CIPEA projects are scheduled to conclude this year, coordinator Enrico Chesta noted that a new wave of initiatives is already in preparation. These upcoming projects aim to build on current progress and continue advancing incremental solutions to global environmental challenges.
