News

November 2011: SFERA access third campaign has been launched with the following timetable:

  • November 2011 to February 2012 : call for proposals. Check conditions for application
  • 29th of February 2012: proposals submission.Extended deadline: 9th of March 2012 - 17.00 Brussels time
  • March and April 2012 : Selection of the projects to be hosted.
  • May to October 2012 : Hosting of the projects

January 2011: 

SFERA access second campaign has been launched with the following timetable:

  • January 1st 2011 to March 4th 2011 : call for proposals. Check conditions for application.
  • March and April 2011 : Selection of the projects to be hosted.
  • May to October 2011 : Hosting of the projects

November 2009: 

SFERA access first campaign has been launched with the following timetable:

  • November 1st 2009 to March 7th 2010 : call for proposals. Check conditions for application.
  • March and April 2010 : Selection of the projects to be hosted.
  • May to October 2010 : Hosting of the projects

The 'SFERA' Partners: CIEMAT, CNRS, PSI, WEIZMANN and ENEA will provide access to their state-of-the-art high-flux solar research facilities, unique in Europe and in the world. This opportunity is offered for high-quality research in the following areas:
- Solar thermal electricity generation: thermodynamic cycles, receivers, thermal storage, concentrating optics, control algorithms, etc.
- Solar production of benign chemical energy carriers: H2, Syngas, etc.
- Cycles for chemical storage of solar energy: ZnO, etc.
- Solar water treatment: desalination, disinfection, detoxification
- Research in basic phenomena and nano-material production processes: fullerenes, C-nanotubes, ceramics, etc.
- Knowledge-based high-added-value material synthesis: ceramics, glass, etc.
- High-flux photochemistry and photo-physics
- Basic knowledge of materials behaviour and aging under extreme conditions
Access to these facilities will contribute to creation of the European Research Area by:

  • Opening installations to European and ICPC scientists, improving co operation.
  • Improving scientific critical mass in domains where knowledge is now widely dispersed.
  • Generating strong Europe-wide R&D project consortia, increasing the competitiveness of each member alone.