Concentrated solar power (CSP) is a very promising renewable source of
energy.
The best known application so far is bulk electricity generation
through
thermodynamic cycles, but other applications have also been
demonstrated,
such as production of hydrogen and solar fuels, water treatment and
research
in advanced materials.
This EU-funded research project - SFERA - aims to boost scientific
collaboration among the leading European research institutions in
solar
concentrating systems, offering European research and industry
access to the
best research and test infrastructures and creating a virtual European
laboratory.
The project incorporates the following activities:
- Transnational Access: Researchers will have access to five
state-of-the-art high-flux solar research facilities, unique in
Europe and
in the world. Access to these facilities will help strengthen the
European
Research Area by opening installations to European and partner
countries'
scientists, thereby enhancing cooperation.
- Networking: These include the organisation of training courses and
schools' to create a common training framework, providing
regularised,
unified training of young researchers in the capabilities and
operation of
concentrating solar facilities. Communication activities will seek
to both
strengthen relationships within the consortium, creating a culture of
cooperation, and to communication to society in general, academia and
especially industry what SFERA is and what services are offered.
- The Joint Research Activities aim to improve the quality and
service of
the existing infrastructure, extend their services and jointly
achieve a
common level of high scientific quality.