The CENER, to invest 48.35 milion euros until 2007 in research projects

The agreement aims to consolidate and develop the CENER through a collaboration agreement for the development of emerging technologies in the renewable energy industry. The projects that will be carried out from now until the year 2007 will focused in wind power, with the creation of a wind technology development equipped with design and certification systems, a blade testing plant, a wind tunnel, a high voltage lab, a composite material lab and an experimental park for wind turbine testing.

As concerns solar energy, the activity will be focused on the research and development of crystaline materials for low cost PV grids and the development of medium temperature solar thermal collectors and solar cooling applications.

The investments required for these projects until 2007 will amount to 36 mililon euros. Besides, the agreement aims to make the CENER technically capable to become a leading center in renewable energy developments, with an estimated cost of 12 million euros until 2007.

The CENER is a non profit foundation that was created by both Navarre's and Spain's governments through the CIEMAT (Center of Energy, Environmental and Technological Research Center). From the very moment in which CENER started its research activities back in 2003 it has an excellent acceptance levels both at national and international levels.

Some130 people work in CENER, with a majority of Research Engineers. Its main tasks are around four different areas: wind power, PV solar, solar thermal, sustainable architecture, power electronics and energy storage.

In the year 2000 both administrations reached an agreement for the 2000-2003 period by whichthe CENER-CIEMAT was created. Through this foundation, the CENER was created for the continuous promotion of renewable eneries and knowledge sharing with the industry companies.

Respective Commitments
The administrations that have reached this agreement, which will be valid until the end of 2007, will take up different commitments. Navarre's government will spend 6.72 million euros in areas described in the agreement and 8.82 million euros in specific activities designed for Navarre.

Likewise, the Minister of Science and Education will provide the CENER-CIEMAT with loans equivalent to 26.9 million euros with a repayment period of 15 years and no payment of principal in the first 3 years. Last, but not least, CIEMAT will provide the center with a subsidy of 1.2 million euros.

For additional information:
www.cener.com

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The CENER, to invest 48.35 milion euros until 2007 in research projects