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Innovation in the generation and use of energy

Discover our main lines of research for clean energy projects

RENEWABLE ENERGY INNOVATION CENTRE

Through the Renewable Energy Innovation Centre, based in Pamplona with teams in Madrid and Mexico, ACCIONA provides innovative proposals for wind, solar, biomass, electricity storage and network integration technologies.

The company tests, characterises and integrates the best technologies in renewable energies available on the market, and collaborates with different manufacturers on new products to streamline the cost and reliability of the clean energy generated.

We also have experimental facilities where some of the technological solutions are developed and tested, such as the Barasoain Experimental Plant (wind) and the Montes de Cierzo PV Plant (solar), both in Navarra, the recently created Solar Innovation Hub in El Romero, Chile, and the first floating photovoltaic pilot plant connected to the grid in Spain at the Sierra Brava reservoir in Extremadura.

    Main lines of research in renewable energies

    INNOVATION IN RENEWABLE TECHNOLOGIES

    ACCIONA ha creado un ‘Hub’ de innovación en tecnologías fotovoltaicas en la planta El Romero Solar, en Chile, con el objetivo de incrementar la eficiencia y el rendimiento de las instalaciones solares. La instalación, de 492 kWp de potencia, incorpora módulos bifaciales, de célula partida y de capa fina. Las tecnologías avanzadas en solar fotovoltaica son una de las principales líneas estratégicas que orientan la actividad en innovación de ACCIONA en el ámbito de las energías limpias.

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    Innovation with a collaborative approach

    At ACCIONA, we develop Innovation in the Energy business taking a collaborative approach, cooperating with public and private institutions, both universities and research centres, as well as industries and companies providing public and private services. In addition, we collaborate with startup ecosystems around the world related to international knowledge centres to incorporate new solutions, develop capabilities and propose new business for the company. 

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    Innovation projects in energy

    HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2019:

    BLOCKCHAIN TO ENERGY

    ACCIONA applies Blockchain technology to verify that 100 % renewable energy is loaded into the power grid from two storage facilities in Navarra (Spain).

    As part of the I'MNOVATION #Startups programme, ACCIONA has developed a pilot project for a commercial demonstrator, for the traceability of renewable sources of clean energy generated in Spain and by customers in Portugal.

    ELECTRICAL STORAGE AREA

    ACCIONA's battery-powered wind power storage plant in Barásoain, Spain, was the first in the world to obtain comprehensive certification of the entire grid-connected system. It has been accredited in accordance with the GRIDSTOR Recommended Practice.

    ONSHORE WIND AREA

    ACCIONA studies solutions for maximising the power curve by adopting control strategies in several turbine models operated by the company.

    Within this scenario, we also are also working on the study, implementation and validation of noise reduction measures in wind turbines with different blade brands.

    The company has installed its first two spare parts created using 3D printing in wind turbines.

     

    Turbine for Life

    ACCIONA researches solutions to increase efficiency and extend the useful life of wind turbines under optimum safety and reliability conditions.

    In this regard, the Turbine for Life programme develops a diagnosis of turbine status, provides predictive information on performance and offers recommendations regarding decisions about operation and maintenance.

    This programme is based on the application of big data, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and the use of physical and hybrid predictive models. Turbine for Life also helps to reduce operation and maintenance costs and extend the useful life of the wind turbines.

     

    SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC AREA

    Power to Green H2

    ACCIONA is researching the most efficient way of producing green hydrogen by using renewable energy sources to fuel the transport and gas supply sector, with renewable energy from two photovoltaic plants being used in an electrolyzer to produce hydrogen and oxygen in a sustainable manner.

    This will make it possible to decarbonize a large number of processes currently being carried out.

    ÁREA HIDRÁULICA

    The company examines channels using 3D modelling technology for digitalisation and enhancements in security.

    The company has developed an autonomous device (floating robot) capable of removing the bottom sludge from the loading chambers of ACCIONA's Hydraulic Power Plants to avoid sedimentation and accumulation of sludge and therefore periodic cleaning that includes stopping the turbines, managing the sludge itself and the consequent labour and production losses.

    ACCIONA has also manufactured the first active noise mitigation system prototype for hydroelectric plants, as a preliminary step to implementation at a real plant.