SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE Nov. 27 (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Technological and Renewable Energy Institute (ITER), an institution under the authority of the Cabildo of Tenerife, has secured over 500,000 euros to initiate three innovative projects focusing on renewable energy, digitalisation, and volcanic monitoring.
This funding is part of the 2023 call for assistance for public-private collaboration projects by the Ministry of Science and Innovation.
The financial support, in the form of a grant, totals 508,867.44 euros and will enable ITER to spearhead and collaborate on progressive initiatives that will have a notable effect in areas such as renewable energy (Siroco project), digitalisation (Voltaire project), and volcanic monitoring (Heliovolcan project), as stated in a release from the Cabildo.
The Minister of Innovation, Research and Development, Juan José Martínez, mentions, “ITER will take the lead on these initiatives and will work together with prominent institutions such as the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), the University of Alcalá (UA), and the Technological Institute of Galicia Foundation.”
He believes that “Tenerife is at the forefront of research and development in renewable energy and volcanic studies and monitoring, and this funding will enable us to realise three significant projects.”
TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY
Among the funded projects is ‘Siroco’, which intends to establish an advanced predictive system to identify environmental waste and corrosion in photovoltaic power plants.
With a total budget of 800,171.75 euros and coordinated by ITER, this initiative will concentrate on creating solutions that utilise drones fitted with advanced sensors, including thermal and hyperspectral cameras, to detect contaminants such as dust or saltpeter on photovoltaic modules, as well as corrosion in the supporting metal frameworks.
These advancements will facilitate optimised predictive maintenance, enhancing the energy efficiency of installations and lowering operating costs in solar facilities.
Another project led by ITER is ‘VOLTAIRE’, which has a budget of 582,045.20 euros and aims to enhance the management of energy self-consumption installations through the application of digital twins.
This technology will enable the modelling and simulation of hybrid distributed generation systems, incorporating predictive strategies for efficient energy management in island environments.
This initiative seeks not only to advance the efficiency of the island’s electrical system but also to aid in the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient energy framework.
Furthermore, ITER will participate as a partner in the ‘HELIOVOLCAN’ project, which aims to create portable equipment for in situ measurement of diffuse helium flow in active volcanic regions.
This highly mobile and chemically inert gas serves as a critical indicator in volcanic monitoring.
The initiative aims to address current technological limitations by developing devices capable of accurate and real-time measurements, thereby significantly enhancing early prediction of volcanic eruptions.
With a total budget of 1,038,082.70 euros, this project is distinguished by its innovative approach and its importance for volcanic risk management in susceptible communities.
This funding is part of the support provided by the State Research Agency under the framework of the State Plan for Scientific and Technical Research and Innovation 2021-2023, aimed at promoting knowledge transfer between research organisations and businesses.
The assistance is intended to finance experimental development projects through cooperation between companies and research entities, to foster the advancement of new technologies, the business application of fresh ideas and techniques, and to contribute to the creation of new products and services.