The Deputy Director of IMDEA Energía wins Farrington Daniels award in Solar Energy
February 8, 2013
Dr. Manuel Romero is the first Spanish and the fifth European to receive this award and he acknowledges his long research career in the utilization of solar energy at high temperature, the material in which a pioneer, both nationally and internationally. During his career he has participated in over 45 energy research programs and has contributed to important developments in the field of solar thermal energy and solar chemistry. His work in the development of concentrating solar optical, solar water heating and thermal storage systems have been instrumental in the conception and development of the first commercial solar thermal power plants in the world using the heliostat field technology. Among other functions, has served as Director of the Plataforma Solar de Almería (CIEMAT) and has served on various committees of international experts. Currently, IMDEA Energía is involved in the development of new generations of solar technology for use in high temperature applications, including the efficient generation of electricity and solar fuel production.
Through the work of scientists like Manuel Romero, IMDEA Energía aims to become an international benchmark for energy research. The main research of this Institute are focused on solar energy, sustainable production of fuels for transport and energy storage coupled to renewable sources, among others. The Institute currently has a staff of 30 persons, among which are renowned researchers in these subjects. IMDEA Energía plans to continue to grow in the short term with the addition of leading researchers in the field of energy.
Eight operational IMDEA
The Comunidad de Madrid this year allocated more than €20 million to support scientific activity in the IMDEA, created by the Regional Government to focus research on the demands of society and encourage the private sector to participate in the promotion of scientific and technological innovations in the region. Currently operates eight IMDEA, each specializing in a branch of research: Water, Food, Energy, Social Sciences, Materials, Nanosciences, Networks and Software.
IMDEA objectives are to promote the R&D&i, develop science and technology and leading research teams and equipments of international quality, attract and train human capital of excellence, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, creating a dynamic, agile, liberal and non-interventionist environment. In addition IMDEA has to achieve the transfer between research and company, as well as recover Spanish researchers working abroad.
