February 9, 2026
Custom Project for the CEA in Grenoble: Design, Construction, and Process Hook-Up
The French Atomic Energy Commission, a major player in scientific research in France, is active in particular in the fields of energy, health, digital technologies, and micro- and nanotechnologies. The Grenoble site is recognized for its cutting-edge work in semiconductors and future technologies.
Deployment of the FAMES Pilot Line: A Strategic Project for the Technologies of Tomorrow
This project demonstrates the ability of Equans Process Solutions, a brand of Equans France, to meet the highest standards in technology, quality, and safety while serving a key player in industrial innovation.
As part of the new FAMES semiconductor pilot line, a key program within the electronics strategy driven by France 2030, the CEA, in collaboration with its European counterparts, is developing future advanced, energy-efficient technologies for embedded components used in artificial intelligence, telecommunications, and sensors.
To house this new FAMES pilot line, the CEA has engaged a consortium led by Equans Process Solutions, a brand of Equans France, to construct 2,000 m² of ISO 5 cleanrooms designed to house next-generation equipment (300 mm).
This ambitious and fully customized project includes the design, the construction, commissioning, as well as the process hook-up.
Engineering, construction, and process hook-up are the three main phases of the project
Our teams carried out this project in three main phases:
1. Design of the structure and detailed project planning
- 8 months of design work, representing 40,000 hours of effort
- 30 engineers and designers involved
- Use of BIM and virtual reality to optimize the design
2. Construction of the structure, coordination and supervision of the construction site, installation, testing, and commissioning of systems
- 24 months of detailed design and construction
- 280,000 hours on-site
Throughout the project, safety remained a top priority for our teams.
3. The hook-up process at the heart of the matter
Hook-up refers to all operations involved in connecting production equipment to fluid, power, and control networks in a cleanroom. This is a critical phase that ensures the functionality and performance of the facilities.
As part of this project, Equans Process Solutions carried out:
- 3D designs of the hook-up networks
- On-site installation, with augmented reality monitoring
- Connecting machines in the cleanroom
- Inspection and commissioning of fluid distribution networks
