IREC - Institut de Recerca en Energia de Catalunya

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www.irec.cat

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IREC: Advancing Sustainable Energy Solutions in Catalonia

IREC, the Institut de Recerca en Energia de Catalunya, is a prominent public research center dedicated to fostering sustainable societal development and enhancing industrial competitiveness within the energy sector. Established in 2008, IREC operates under the Generalitat de Catalunya's Department of Climate Action, Food and Rural Agenda, with significant participation from the Department of Research and Universities and the Catalan Energy Institute (ICAEN). The institute is recognized as a CERCA center and holds TECNIO accreditation, affirming its commitment to high-quality research and innovation.

The core of IREC's activities lies in developing excellence in medium and long-term research, driving innovation, creating new technological products, and disseminating critical knowledge to the general public. Its research framework is robustly structured around two main units: Advanced Materials for Energy and Energy Efficiency in Systems, Buildings and Communities. The Advanced Materials for Energy Unit delves into specialized areas such as solar energy materials and systems, nanoionics and fuel cells, functional nanomaterials, and advanced energy storage, harvesting, and catalysis solutions.

Complementing this, the Energy Efficiency in Systems, Buildings and Communities Unit focuses on critical aspects like thermal energy and building performance, sophisticated energy system analytics, and cutting-edge power systems. IREC's strategic initiatives and key research concepts consistently encompass energy and environment, advanced energy storage solutions, and smart energy management strategies. Through these concerted efforts, the institute actively addresses pressing challenges in renewable energy integration, exemplified by its leadership in projects such as the PRIMA Platform for renewable energy and storage integration, and its significant contributions to green hydrogen advancements. Collaborating extensively with government entities, academic institutions, and industry partners, IREC plays a pivotal role in shaping the energy landscape of Catalonia and beyond.

Locations

• Sant Adrià de Besòs, Barcelona
• Tarragona, Tarragona