On World Energy Day, dependence on fossil fuels remains a global challenge, but the transition to clean energies such as solar, wind and biomass is shaping the future of the energy sector. We highlight the key role of Castilla y León’s technology centers in the transition to a sustainable future.
World Energy Day reminds us of the urgency of promoting sustainable and affordable energy sources for all. Dependence on fossil fuels remains a global challenge, but the transition to clean energies such as solar, wind and biomass is shaping the future of the energy sector.
In this context, the technology centers of Castilla y León are leading the development of innovative solutions that allow a more efficient use of energy resources, reducing the environmental impact and promoting the circular economy. From NODDO, we promote innovation in energy with strategic projects that address the generation, distribution and storage of energy in a sustainable way.
Here are some of the most outstanding projects that are transforming the energy sector and leading the way towards a more efficient and environmentally friendly model.
Innovative projects in sustainable energy
REMHub Project. Transforming the rare earths value chain in Europe for a sustainable energy transition.
Rare earths are essential for the production of wind turbines and electric vehicle batteries, key technologies in the energy transition. However, the European Union is 90% dependent on imports, many of them from countries with unsustainable mining practices.
REMHub brings:
- Creating a more sustainable and resilient European supply chain;
- The use of digital twins to improve traceability and sustainability in the extraction and use of these materials.
- Development of new recycling chains to reuse rare earths instead of relying on traditional mining.
- Contribution to Europe’s energy independence, reducing dependence on critical raw materials.
This ambitious project, which has 24 partners from 6 countries and a budget of 18 million euros, will run for 4 years, positioning Europe as a benchmark in the sustainable management of rare earths.
ExpSkills-REM. Key training for an energy future less dependent on imports.
The success of the energy transition depends not only on technology, but also on trained human talent. The ExpSkills-REM project seeks to prepare professionals in the sector in the management of rare earth magnets, which are essential in wind generators and electric motors.
Project benefits:
- Strengthening European industry, reducing the need to import strategic materials.
- Training of engineers and technicians in innovation, recycling and efficient management of these materials.
- Promoting startups and SMEs, fostering the knowledge economy in clean energy.
This course, which will run until July 2025, will enable more professionals to provide innovative solutions in the EU’s ecological transition.
LIFE NEXUS. Water networks converted into clean energy sources.
Water is not only vital for life, but can also be a source of renewable energy. The LIFE NEXUS project has demonstrated that it is possible to recover the energy wasted in water distribution networks through mini-hydro.
How does it work?
- Excess pressure in the pipelines is used to generate electricity by means of pumps operating as turbines (PaT).
- An electrical storage system is integrated to optimize the use of the energy generated.
- The system installed at the Porma (León) water treatment plant covers 100% of the facility’s electricity consumption.
Project impact:
- Renewable energy generation in existing infrastructures, without additional environmental impact.
- Reduction of water losses in the distribution network.
- Global applicability, allowing this model to be replicated in other cities.
This project, which was completed after 4 years of development, has made León a benchmark in energy innovation applied to water.
iAMP-Hydro. Digitalization and optimization of hydroelectric power plants.
Hydropower is one of the most established renewable sources, but it still has room for improvement. The iAMP-Hydro project uses artificial intelligence and digitalization to make power plants more efficient and sustainable.
Key benefits:
- Predictive maintenance of turbines to reduce failures and improve efficiency.
- Monitoring the ecological status of reservoirs for sustainable water use.
- Optimization of flow forecasting, allowing better management of energy production.
Simulations have already been carried out in reservoirs in Granada, with accurate predictions of water levels and power generation.
ECENOVA. Innovative energy communities: a model of self-sufficiency.
ECENOVA encourages the creation of local energy communities, where citizens and businesses can produce, store and share their own renewable energy.
🔹 Benefits of the ECENOVA model:
- Reduced dependence on the traditional electrical grid.
- Promotion of self-consumption and energy exchange between users.
- Application of advanced technology to efficiently manage energy production and storage.
EIFEDE. Artificial intelligence for a more efficient energy sector
EIFEDE applies data analysis and AI to improve energy management, facilitating the adaptation of SMEs to regulations and optimizing processes.
Project impact:
- Increased energy efficiency in industries and companies.
- Reduced costs and lower carbon footprint.
- Strengthening transnational cooperation in energy regulations.
SHAREDH2 SUDOE. Green hydrogen as an energy storage solution
This project develops an innovative system for storing green hydrogen in local communities, guaranteeing clean and accessible energy.
Advantages of green hydrogen at SHAREDH2 SUDOE:
- Facilitates the storage of renewable energy for use at times of high demand.
- Promotes the development of hydrogen infrastructure in rural areas.
- Reduces dependence on fossil fuels.
Weforming. Smart buildings and interactive energy networks
The project Weforming project project is revolutionizing energy management in buildings through artificial intelligence and smart grids. Its goal is to integrate infrastructures so that buildings operate efficiently in a multi-energy environment, optimizing consumption and reducing costs.
🔹 Project impact:
- Increased efficiency in energy management in buildings and communities.
- Integration with smart grids and energy markets.
- Improved quality, comfort and sustainability of living spaces.
Driving the energy future
From NODDO, we support the development of green hydrogen solutions, energy communities and intelligent resource management, promoting a more sustainable and competitive energy model, and we promote an innovative energy sector, where technology and sustainability go hand in hand.
The combination of renewable energies, digitalization and hydrogen storage will shape the future of energy.
Find out more about the work of our technology centers NODDO – Energy
Let’s continue to build a more sustainable energy future together
