NEXT - Infrastructure

Action 2: Renovation of an 865 m² cleanroom, focusing on sustainability and infrastructure modernization.

> Energy Reduction Prior to the NEXT Project

This action builds upon infrastructure upgrades already initiated at the MIMENTO platform. Previous key improvements include the compressor replacement (November 2023), the separation of the three chilled water networks in a section of the cleanroom (Summer 2024), the construction of a new technical room, and the replacement of one of the two chillers (November 2024 – January 2025).

These efforts have already resulted in a 12% reduction in energy consumption compared to the 2019 baseline (as validated for 2024 and 2025).

> Energy Reduction within the NEXT Project

To sustain this commitment to energy conservation, the NEXT project aims to ensure the seamless operation of the infrastructure alongside the newly planned equipment while enhancing its resilience to predictable climate trends over the coming decade.

Consequently, we are targeting an upgrade of the cleanroom's environmental control systems and a reduction of more than 20% in infrastructure energy consumption, aligning with strong societal expectations for energy and environmental sustainability.

Furthermore, this infrastructure renovation is designed to accommodate the future expansion of the equipment fleet beyond the scope of the current project, ensuring that MIMENTO maintains its competitiveness and continues its mission of identifying and providing state-of-the-art technological solutions.

Several actions are planned to achieve this:

Replacement of the second chiller and installation of energy recovery loops on each chiller

Since 2008 and 2013, motor and chiller technologies have significantly evolved, offering much higher efficiency. This now makes it possible to anticipate substantial energy savings, estimated at 10% to 25% of the power consumption for the equipment involved. Two energy recovery loops (120 kW and 60 kW) are planned for the outdoor air handling systems.

Upgrading the chemical fume hood extraction system

Safety regulations for personnel mandate continuous air extraction from chemical workbenches. However, the MIMENTO platform is unoccupied at night and on weekends, which accounts for 50% of the year. While maintaining full compliance with these safety standards, it is now possible to reduce extraction rates during these periods, resulting in a 90% reduction in energy consumption for the units involved. Consequently, this action will minimize the volume of outdoor air that must be treated to maintain the cleanroom’s air quality and cleanliness standards.

Implementation of a controllable air filtration system

In addition to pressure balancing, the installation of next-generation Fan Filter Units (FFUs) will ensure better airflow distribution within the cleanroom. This system will provide significant energy savings, further enhanced by flow rate control during non-critical periods (nights, weekends, etc.).

Expected energy reduction data (compared to 2019 baseline):

FEDER Project (total estimate): 20%

New chiller with energy recovery: 5%

Energy recovery loop on both chillers: 8.7%

Variable extraction system improvements: 4.5%

Airflow control: 1.8%

> Conclusion and Long-Term Vision

With the completion of the NEXT project, we anticipate a total energy saving of over 30% compared to the 2019 baseline. This goal of energy efficiency will remain a top priority for the MIMENTO platform long after the project’s conclusion.

The NEXT project also serves long-term objectives. Indeed, the FEMTO-ST MIMENTO platform recognizes that ensuring the long-term sustainability of a cleanroom is an ongoing mission that requires consistent investment over the years.

To this end, various initiatives concerning our environmental impact, such as a carbon footprint study or a fundamental review of cleanroom usage practice, are being considered. Although significant actions have already been taken, our infrastructure still offers further potential for optimization. Subsequent actions will be implemented in the coming years as a continuation of this approach.

The collective actions already undertaken aim to demonstrate the effectiveness of our choices in reducing the activity's ecological footprint. These demonstrations will serve as a roadmap for planning future actions and sharing best practices within the RENATECH+ network. To maintain this virtuous cycle, preliminary estimates have been conducted to plan future projects (see table below).

> Potential follow-up enabled by the FEDER project

Demonstrating the effectiveness of strategic choices: 7.4%

Future projects: expansion of variable extraction networks: 5.4%

Future projects: Airflow control: 2%

Ultimately, these projected gains confirm that the NEXT project serves as the foundation of a sustainable strategy, aimed at transforming current energy challenges into a genuine driver of excellence for the MIMENTO platform.