Synergetic theory, also known as "synergy" and referred to by some as a pseudoscientific theory, was developed by René-Louis Vallée and first disseminated in 1971 with the publication of his book L'énergie électromagnétique matérielle et gravitationnelle (Material and Gravitational Electromagnetic Energy). The magazine Science et Vie published several articles on the subject, and in 1975, it reported on an experiment that allegedly generated more energy than was input into the system. This sparked a long-standing controversy over the discovery of "free energy." The following year, La Recherche examined Vallée's book and, under his guidance, commissioned physicists to conduct a rigorous test to verify or refute the initial claims. The results were negative: no excess energy was observed. A critical examination of the theory in question reveals a multitude of inconsistencies. It becomes evident that the author's work is based on his personal beliefs, formulating a set of disconnected equations. Vallée opposed modern physics, viewing the theoretical advancements of the 20th century as overly intricate and incompatible with reality. Vallée was affiliated with the Alexandre Dufour Physics Circle and supported by free-energy enthusiasts until the early 2000s, which enabled him to achieve a certain degree of media presence before synergetics faded from public discourse.
History
René-Louis Vallée (1926–2007), a 1951 graduate of Supélec, was employed by Alsthom from 1953 to 1958 and subsequently by the French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) until 1976. Between 1970 and 1974, he authored several books about his professional expertise. Vallée, a student of Louis de Broglie during his studies, developed a lifelong interest in physics and an alternative theory aimed at unifying the four fundamental forces. This culminated in the publication of his book, L'énergie électromagnétique matérielle et gravitationnelle, in 1971. As a member of the Alexandre Dufour Physics Circle, Vallée promoted his book and theory during a 1972 lecture. The main objective of the circle was to challenge the tenets of modern physics. Despite presenting his critiques of physics objectively in his written works, Vallée expressed clear anti-relativist sentiments in his speeches, rejecting what he described as a "blind worship of revealed relativity." In the context of the initial oil crisis, Vallée advanced his theory as a radical departure from conventional wisdom, asserting that global capitalism had hastily embraced relativity with the fervor of a religious doctrine. He leveled accusations against several physicists, characterizing their views as those of members of a "discreet philosophical-scientific sect." In a letter to La Recherche, he referred to Richard Feynman as a "man in black." Following his dismissal from the CEA in 1976, Vallée engaged in a public debate with Industry Minister André Giraud on the radio program Le téléphone sonne in 1979. He challenged the prevailing preference for nuclear power, advocating instead for his concept of "free energy." In February 1974, Science et Vie commenced coverage of synergistic theory, subsequently revisiting the topic in January 1975. During this latter period, Vallée employed his theory to elucidate the failure of nuclear fusion experiments in tokamaks, asserting that conventional scientific paradigms lacked rational explanations. In 1976, forming a support committee for Vallée resulted in the establishment of the SEPED (Society for the Study and Promotion of Diffuse Energy), which was operational between 1976 and 1984. In the context of the 1978 French nuclear debate, anti-nuclear activist René Barjavel expressed support for Vallée's Lettre ouverte aux vivants et à ceux qui veulent le rester (An open letter to the living and those who wish to remain living), citing the latter's theory as a disruption to the habits of thought and work that had been based on relativity for approximately half a century. Barjavel further noted that Einstein and his contemporaries had asserted that space vehicles could never exceed the speed of light, a claim that he regarded as untenable. Vallée expressed dismay at the apparent lack of interest in synergistic, suggesting that there were conspiracies at play, involving official science, global capitalism, and even the World Zionist Organization, which were preventing scientific progress. In a letter to Prime Minister Jacques Chirac dated May 21, 1986, he reiterated these accusations. Vallée was unable to disseminate his theory through conventional channels; therefore, he turned to the Internet as a means of sharing his ideas. By the year 2000, he had become a member of the New York Academy of Sciences and had written the preface for a scientific document in which he discussed his theory, which was subsequently renamed GUST (Grand Unified Synergetic Theory). While Vallée's work receded from public consciousness, the concept of free energy endured. In 2003, the Swiss-based GIFNET (Global Institute for New Energy Technologies) was established, with its French director Jean-Luc Naudin espousing the tenets of the synergistic theory. The institute has since ceased to maintain an online presence.
Definitions In 1973, Vallée submitted the terms "synergy" and "synergetic theory" to the French Academy's Committee for Technical Terms. In his 1971 book, he introduced the concept of "synergetic potential", which he defined as follows:
V = c 2 {\displaystyle V=c^{2}} : The square of the propagation speed of electromagnetic waves in a vacuum filled with matter. Science et Vie widely adopted the terms " synergistic" and "synergetic theory", which described the "synergetic generator" or "battery" as a device purportedly capable of harnessing the diffuse energy present in the universe. Vallée discussed the potential for harnessing "diffuse electromagnetic energy that traverses the immensity of the Universe", which could be realized with a more profound comprehension of the characteristics of matter, particularly within "diffuse energetic environments." This central notion of synergetic theory inspired the designation of the SEPED (Society for the Study and Promotion of Diffuse Energy), which was operational for less than a decade.
Synergy
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