The central question of Justine Duval's doctoral research, conducted at UGA within the I-MEP² doctoral school and CEA-Liten, concerns the equitable distribution of low-carbon energy production and storage means globally. Her thesis, titled 'Towards equitable distribution of low-carbon energy production and storage: a global regionalized approach for optimal resource allocation,' addresses the profound transformations the energy system must undergo to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and electrify uses.
Given the massive development of intermittent renewable energies, rethinking the balance between production and consumption is crucial. The need for flexibility varies significantly by region, as seen in the differences between Northern Europe's seasonal heating demands and equatorial regions' photovoltaic production. Justine Duval's work aims to identify the optimal deployment of low-carbon production and storage technologies worldwide, considering geographical specificities and territorial needs, linking energy challenges, modeling, and equitable resource distribution.
This research aligns with the strategic goals of the University of Grenoble Alpes to accelerate ecological transformation. Energy issues are a major pillar, requiring new technological solutions and an understanding of their deployment conditions and impacts at various scales. Justine Duval explores the connection between energy transition, system performance, and equity in resource allocation.
For its 20th edition, the France L'Oréal-UNESCO 'For Women in Science' Award recognized 35 doctoral and post-doctoral students out of nearly 820 candidates, selected by a jury from the Academy of Sciences. The laureates represent diverse scientific disciplines and address contemporary challenges like ecological transition, biodiversity, and health. Justine Duval is in the 'Innovating for a Sustainable Future' category.
“"I am working on a crucial issue: ensuring equitable access to decarbonized electricity for all. To achieve this, I am building a model to determine how to distribute wind turbines and solar panels globally in a fair and environmentally respectful manner. Specifically, by installing these technologies where they best meet demand while developing electricity exchanges between countries, we promote equitable distribution of material resources globally. Ultimately, these 'energy justice' scenarios could inform international cooperation and even the work of the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change)."
Established in 2007, the award aims to encourage women in scientific careers, where they remain underrepresented. The 35 laureates of 2026 join a community of over 5,000 women scientists in more than 140 countries and receive funding and leadership training. The distinction of Justine Duval highlights her research addressing a major challenge for future societies and contributes to showcasing the diversity of talents driving research at the University of Grenoble Alpes.
