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What is IREC’s WORLD-CLASS R&D&I Labs all about?

  • Covering renewable supply, grid connections and demand across the energy system.
  • Open to collaboration with industry, public institutions and research partners.

The energy system is changing faster than ever, and the solutions it needs must be tested, validated and ready to deploy. IREC’s world-class R&D&I laboratories exist precisely for this: to provide the large-scale environments where new technologies for renewable generation, energy networks and efficient use can be developed and proven under real conditions. Distributed across Catalonia, these platforms bring together scientific expertise, strategic infrastructure and long-term partnerships to accelerate the shift towards a fully renewable energy system, from the way electricity is generated and transported to the way it is consumed in buildings, industry and mobility.

Developing renewable electricity and low-carbon energy carriers

IREC’s laboratories provide the conditions to move beyond conventional generation technologies. From offshore marine platforms to advanced solar and hydrogen facilities, they enable the development and validation of materials, devices and systems that deliver clean electricity and low‑carbon energy carriers at scale.

Advancing how renewable energy is transported, stored and managed

A renewable energy system is only as robust as its ability to move and store energy where and when it is needed. IREC’s platforms offer large-scale testing environments for grid integration, smart network management, interconnection technologies and next‑generation storage solutions, from advanced batteries to digital grid infrastructure.

Creating efficient uses of electricity in buildings, industry and mobility

Decarbonisation depends not only on how energy is produced but also on how it is used. IREC’s laboratories work with industry partners and public institutions to develop and validate solutions that electrify demand, improve efficiency and activate flexibility in buildings, industrial processes and transport, where energy meets everyday life.

Aligning every laboratory with strategic energy transition objectives

Each IREC laboratory and platform is aligned with clear strategic objectives that reflect energy transition priorities. Research is structured to deliver validated results that feed directly into goals such as 100% renewable electricity, smart and resilient grids, net‑zero buildings and sustainable mobility at regional and wider scales.

Strategic R&D&I Laboratories

These laboratories provide large-scale, long-term environments where IREC and its partners address key questions across renewable supply, energy networks and demand. They extend the Institute’s presence across the territory and ensure that new technologies are validated and demonstrated under conditions that are meaningful for industry and society.

Strategic platform for marine energy R&D&I in the Mediterranean, providing environments to design, test and validate offshore and coastal technologies under real marine conditions.

Test site infrastructures

Experimental platform supporting the development and validation of technologies that enable the energy transition, offering pilot-scale environments across supply, networks and demand.

Testing platforms and pilot plans

AI-driven R&D&I infrastructure strengthening advanced experimentation, automation and data-enabled research at IREC, accelerating the validation of new materials, devices and energy systems.

New laboratories and AI-enabled capabilities to accelerate advanced energy research

Infographic of Strategic Programs for renewable energy, showing pillars for Supply, Connections, and Demand, alongside research areas, laboratory locations in Catalonia, and strategic objectives.

Collaborative initiatives and networks

IREC also participates in collaborative initiatives and networks that amplify the reach and impact of its research. These alliances connect the Institute with other research organisations, companies and public institutions, creating shared environments for technology development, validation and transfer.

Catalan research and innovation network dedicated to accelerating the development and transfer of technologies in energy, decarbonisation and sustainability, connecting leading research organisations across the region.

Innovation ecosystem

Research, development and innovation alliance covering the full value chain of next-generation battery cells and systems, from materials design and cell engineering through to integration, applications and scale-up.

Joint research unit on battery tecnologies

Joint Research Unit between IREC and UPC combining complementary expertise in thin-film materials, device architecture and AI-assisted characterisation to advance next-generation solar technologies.

Joint research unit on solar technologies

News

Discover the latest news from our research teams and strategic initiatives.

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