In a significant stride towards advancing solar energy technologies, the European Solar Research Infrastructure for Concentrated Solar Power (EU-SOLARIS ERIC) has marked its first year of operation with notable progress. This consortium, established under the European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC) framework, brings together key players from Spain, France, Germany, and Cyprus, with Portugal observing the developments. The initiative aims to bolster research and development in Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technologies, potentially reshaping the energy sector’s landscape.
EU-SOLARIS ERIC was officially inaugurated at the Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT) headquarters in Madrid on January 12, 2023. The gathering saw the formal endorsement of the Statutes and other governing documents, setting the stage for a year of impactful research activities. “The establishment of EU-SOLARIS ERIC marks a pivotal moment in our collective journey towards harnessing the full potential of solar energy,” said Ricardo Sánchez, lead author of the recent paper summarizing the consortium’s first-year activities and a researcher at CIEMAT.
The consortium’s efforts are centered around enhancing the efficiency and scalability of CSP technologies, which could significantly impact the energy sector’s commercial landscape. By focusing on research and development, EU-SOLARIS ERIC aims to drive innovation and foster collaboration among member states. “Our goal is to create a robust research infrastructure that supports the development of cutting-edge CSP technologies, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and energy-efficient future,” Sánchez added.
One of the key highlights of the consortium’s first year has been the initiation of new projects that promise to push the boundaries of solar thermal energy. These projects are expected to yield advancements that could be commercially viable, offering new opportunities for the energy sector. The consortium is also in negotiations for the accession of three additional countries—Greece, Turkey, and Italy—which could further strengthen its research capabilities and expand its impact.
The progress made by EU-SOLARIS ERIC was recently detailed in a paper published in the SolarPACES Conference Proceedings, a platform dedicated to advancing solar power technologies. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the consortium’s activities and the new projects achieved during its inaugural year. As the consortium continues to grow and evolve, its work is poised to shape the future of solar energy, offering promising prospects for the energy sector.
The establishment of EU-SOLARIS ERIC represents a significant step forward in the quest for sustainable energy solutions. By fostering collaboration and innovation, the consortium is paving the way for advancements in CSP technologies that could have far-reaching commercial impacts. As the energy sector looks towards a future powered by renewable sources, the work of EU-SOLARIS ERIC offers a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of collective effort.