What is IREC
all about?
- Public research centre focused on advancing sustainable energy.
- Creating scientific knowledge with real technological impact.
- Driving the energy transition through research and innovation.
- Working with partners to advance the future of clean energy.
Discover IREC
Learn who we are and how our research drives innovation in sustainable energy.
Who we are
IREC is a public research centre within the CERCA system, founded in 2008 and dedicated to research, development, innovation and demonstration in sustainable energy.
Our work spans the full scope of the energy transition, from fundamental science to applied research, with the aim of generating knowledge that is relevant to industry, public administrations and society. Through collaboration with research groups, institutions and companies, we help drive the energy transition and strengthen the role of science in building a cleaner and more resilient future.
Meet our team
Discover the people behind our science, innovation and sustainable energy goals.
What we do
We conduct research, development and innovation across the full spectrum of sustainable energy, from the fundamental properties of new materials to the integration of renewable technologies, from the decarbonisation of industry to the design of more efficient buildings and communities.
Our work connects scientific knowledge with real-world application, supporting the energy transition at every scale: from laboratory to field demonstration, and from solutions relevant to Catalonia and Spain to contributions to the European research agenda.
News
Discover the latest news from our research teams and strategic initiatives.
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IREC brings energy research closer to the public at the European Researchers’ Night in Barcelona
IREC took part in the European Researchers’ Night 2026 on 25 September at the CosmoCaixa Science Museum in Barcelona, bringing energy research and innovation closer to citizens through different activities. The event brought together universities and research centres from across Catalonia for an evening dedicated to science, curiosity and discovery. Through talks, workshops, demonstrations and…
Read more: IREC brings energy research closer to the public at the European Researchers’ Night in BarcelonaPablo Fernández MartÃnez
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IREC joins new European LIFE projects to accelerate energy renovation and empower renewable energy communities
This autumn, IREC will launch two new European projects funded under the LIFE Programme: SOSS4EREC and REFOCUS. Both initiatives, coordinated by international consortia, will contribute to advancing the energy transition by promoting innovative support services for building renovation and citizen-led energy initiatives. SOSS4EREC (Sustainable One-Stop-Shops for European Renewable Energy Communities) will begin in September 2026…
Read more: IREC joins new European LIFE projects to accelerate energy renovation and empower renewable energy communitiesPablo Fernández MartÃnez
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PRIMA advances towards construction in Gurb
The Institut de Recerca en Energia de Catalunya (IREC) has awarded the construction contracts for the future PRIMA platform in Gurb, Osona. The facility will provide a real-world environment for testing, validating and demonstrating energy technologies. The contract award marks a new milestone in the development of this strategic initiative for Catalonia’s energy transition. The…
Read more: PRIMA advances towards construction in GurbPablo Fernández MartÃnez
Events
Stay up to date with IREC conferences, workshops, public consultations and outreach activities.