Naturgy Foundation and the Higher Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), an entity attached to the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, have failed the third edition of their ‘Prize for Research and Technological Innovation in the energy field’, which recognizes the project winner ‘Anomalous Photovoltaic Effects for 2-Dimensional Solar Cells (AP2SOL)’, For the development of a new photovoltaic technology, the Institute of Solar Energy of the Polytechnic University of Madrid and the Autonomous University of Madrid.
Specifically, this project, led by the main researchers Elisa Antolín Fernández and Juan José Palacios Burgosproposes an innovative concept test focused on the development of a new photovoltaic technology based on the anomalous photovoltaic effect (APE), using two -dimensional materials (2D) as a basis for future generations of solar cells.
The jury highlighted from the winning project its unconventional and promising approach in photovoltaic, such as APE in 2D materials, with great disruptive potential in the field of renewable energy, thus contributing to generate results with relevant academic impact and to pave the path to technological transfer.
Despite being in an early technological phase, the proposal proposes to advance significantly in its maturity during the two years of the project.
The project will receive an endowment of 100,000 euros, which will allow the research team, with an outstanding scientific career and with relevant international collaborations, develop an innovative concept of a great disruptive potential in the field of renewable energies, which is proposed to advance significantly in its maturity in the two years of the project.
Naturgy Foundation president, Rafael Villaseca, He stressed that Naturgy has “a consolidated initiative, promoted together with the largest scientific and academic institution in Spain, which shows its commitment to the development of actions aimed at accelerating the energy transition, since it will allow to promote research and scientific development in the field of energy in Spain.”
For her part, the president of the CSIC, Eloísa del Pinohe considered that the award “is also testimony of both institutions to support advanced research focused on a new economic model focused on renewable production, decarbonization and low greenhouse gas emissions”.
18 proposals in favor of the energy transition
In its third edition, the Prize has received 18 eligible proposals, developed by 14 entities of 9 Autonomous Communities, among which there are 8 universities and 6 research institutes. The proposals have been valued by a scientific commission, coordinated by the CSIC, and a jury of experts.
The four finalist candidacies were presented by research groups from the Institute of Polymers Science and Technology (ICTP-CSIC), the Carboquimica Institute (ICB-CSIC), the University of Alicante and the Rey Juan Carlos University.
Impulse to scientific development in the field of energy
Naturgy Foundation and the CSIC launched this third edition of the ‘Research and Technological Innovation Award in the energy field’ last October, with the aim of promoting projects, within the framework of the energy transition, which contribute to the fulfillment of the decarbonization objectives in our country.
This initiative is aimed at projects developed by public or private research agencies, non -profit, including public and private universities (registered in the Registry of Universities, Centers and Titles) and other R&D centers. They must also be groups that carry out fundamental investigation or experimental development, and that have their own legal personality and fiscal residence in Spain.