In a previous blog post, we talked about the importance of interoperability and how it allows different systems to communicate with each other without barriers. We used the metaphor of the digital Tower of Babel to explain the challenges that arise when multiple technologies, devices and platforms try to share information without common language. In this context, one of the pillars facilitating semantic interoperability is the use of ontologies.
But what is an ontology and why is it so relevant for the digital and energy efficiency world? Let´s explain it in a simple way.
Machine language: how we understand?
To understand what an ontology is, let´s think about how human beings communicate. We do not all speak the same language, and each language has its own grammatical structure, sounds and written symbols. Even within a language, there are dialects and regional variations that can make communication more complex.
Machines and digital systems face a similar problem. Each manufacturer of sensors, devices or software may use its own “language” to represent data. One building´s air conditioning system may report the temperature in degrees Celsius, while another reports it in Fahrenheit. Some devices may call a value “room temperature”, while others simply label it “temp” o “T”. If these systems do not have a common dictionary, communication between them will be difficult or even impossible. This is where ontologies come into the picture..
What is an ontology ?
In the field of computer science and AI, an ontology is a structure that defines concepts and the relationships between them within a specific domain. In other words, it is a way of organising information so that different systems understand it in the same way.
Returning to the language analogy, an ontology is like a multilingual dictionary with clear grammatical rules. It not only establishes equivalences between concepts belonging to different languages, but also establishes the relationships between them. For example, if an ontology says that “room temperature” and “temp” means the same thing, a system using this ontology will consider both expressions as equivalent. Moreover, an ontology allows inferring new information from the knowledge that is already defined in it. That is, it not only stores data, but can also use it to infer things that weren´t explicitly written down.
To fix the concept of ontology let´s imagine a house, in which we could define:
Relationships: a door conects rooms, windows are in walls, a bathroom is a type of room….
With all this described and well formulated, an artificial intelligence could answer questions such as, can a window be on the roof? or can there be more than one door in a house?
Ontologies help machines reason about information, allowing them to understand concepts in a more structured way, and not just as loose data. In fact, ontologies are often used in intelligent search engines, robotics, chatbots, etc.
Ontologies and semantic interoperability
As mentioned in our previous post, interoperability has several dimensions: technical, syntactic, semantil and organisational. In this case, ontologies play a crucial role in semantic interoperability, ensuring that systems understand and interpret information in the same way.
Imagine a platform that manages the energy efficiency of a smart building. It receives data from multiple sensors and systems: lighting, air conditioning, electricity consumption, air quality, etc. If each of these devices uses a different way of representing the information, without an ontology to standardise this data, it would be a chaotic to try to process and analyse it in a unified way.
The use of a pre-established ontology will allow this platform to recognise that “temperature sensor”, “thermometer” and “internal climate” are related, ensuring that the information is processed in a consistent and homogeneous way.
“An ontology is a structure structure that defines concepts and the relationships between them within a specific domain”
Ontologies in everyday life and energy efficiency
Ontologies are not only a exclusive concept on digital world. In our everyday life, without knowing, we use similar structures to organize information. For example:
In a supermarket, products are organised into sections: fruits, dairy products, meat, bakery etc. This scheme helps us to find what we are looking for quickly.
In a library, books are classified by genre, author and subject, making them easier to find.
In the medical field, there are classification systems for diseases and medicines so that health professionals speak the same language.
In the field of energy efficiency, ontologies are essential to develop services that turn buildings into smart buildings capable of self-managing and optimising their consumption. By using a common ontology, different systems can exchange information without misinterpretation, allowing lighting, HVAC and other devices to work together efficiently.
In addition, ontologies allow reasoning (drawing conclusions), which facilitates the development of decision support systems to optimise energy use, reduce waste and improve the operational efficiency of buildings.
There are several projects in which CARTIF analyses and applies standard ontologies to ensure that data from different buildings are understandable and reusable in advanced digital solutions, such as the DEDALUSand DigiBUILD projects. In both projects, the use of ontologies allows the information to be unified, thus facilitating the generation of joint building automation and control strategies and decision making based on real data. Furthermore, the use of ontologies allows the different systems being developed in these projects to “speak the same language”, which means that they can easily exchange information and understandeach other, even if they have been designed by different entities or for different functions.
Through the use of ontologies, we incorporate a new technological enabler that allow us to build a more digital and sustainable future, where information flows without barriers and where buildings are truly intelligent, thus contributing to the decarbonisation and sustainability of the planet.
Four years ago I first entered the complex world of the food system. I didn´t quite know what to expect. I considered it a far field, with technical terms and debates that seemed to belong only to experts in the field. Today, after all this time, every time I have the opportunity to walk around one of the FUSILLI cities and see the changes we have helped to bring about, I feel a sense of pride that is hard to describe.
There is no need to stop. Changes are recognisable with new initiatives underway, a market where local producers with their local and seasonal products are the main characters, hearing how citizens have started to talk about sustainable food naturally, or a community garden flourishing in a previously unused space. There are small signs that confirm that something has changed. That this effort has been worthwhile
FUSILLI cities
I don´t have to travel to the FUSILLI cities to remember the project. It is enough to walk around Valladolid to remember that what we have done over the years is visible and important in many other cities. The boost of local food. That is FUSILLI. The emergence of a food strategy. That is FUSILLI. The use of food waste. That is FUSILLI. The awareness of cities towards healthier and more sustainable food. That is FUSILLI. The initiatives of food companies to bring local producers closer together. That is FUSILLI. Initiatives to make food more accesible to the whole population. That is FUSILLI. Even FUSILLI is to bring all of this into policies that help to integrate all of this into a community. In a city. In a region.
At the beginning, it all seemed like a huge challenge. Twelve cities with different realities, hundreds of actions, multiple actors involved. Coordinating efforts and making each initiative make sense in its context was a challenge. But, in the end, the key has been people. The cooperation between scientists, local governments, farmers and consumers created a learning network that overcame the initial barriers. The most beautiful thing about FUSILLI has been that unexpected synergy, those human connections that made possible what on paper seemed impossible.
It was not all easy. I remember endless meetings trying to fit together different perspectives, moments of frustration when progress was not as fast as we wanted, and the uncertainty of knowing whether all this would leave a real footprint. But the footprint is there. The results are not only measured in numbers, but in the transformation of cities and people’s mindsets.
Personally, I believe that for CARTIF, FUSILLI has meant much more than a European project. It has allowed us to grow, to better understand the role we can play in transforming food systems and, above all, to strengthen our commitment to sustainability. The food system defines the well-being of our communities and the balance of our environment. It is not just about what we eat, but how we produce, distribute and manage that food in an increasingly challenging world.
Moreover, this experience provides a valuable lesson for the private sector. Companies have a key role to play in this transformation. Adapting business models to a more sustainable approach is not only an environmental necessity, but also an opportunity for innovation and differentiation. The solutions developed at FUSILLI can be replicated and scaled up at the business level, from waste recovery to new forms of distribution and conscious consumption. It is not only the responsibility of cities and governments, but also of companies that have the power to lead change in the food value chain. They are key players in this process.
FUSILLI closes a cycle, but leaves many doors open. We now know that transformation is possible and that every action, however small it may seem, adds up. It has taught us that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand and that real change happens when vision and commitment come together.
We will continue to pursue new solutions, explore innovative ways to integrate technology with sustainability and facilitate the transition to more resilient and healthy cities. But we cannot walk this path alone. Food companies are key partners in this transformation. We need their commitment, their capacity for innovation and their willingness to be part of the change. Because transforming the food system is not just a challenge, it is an opportunity to reinvent the way we live, produce and consume.
Because transformation is not a destination, but a continuous journey of learning, adaptation and innovation.
Spain is positioned as a global referent in the energy transition thanks to its ambitious energy and climate change policies. According to the report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), Spain aspires to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, with 100% renewable energy in the electricity mix and 97% in the total energy mix. This will only be possible by adopting renewable energies, improving energy efficiency and boosting electrification. However, green hydrogen will also play a crucial role, especially to decarbonise sectors such as industry and transport, as well as to store surplus renewable energy, reducing energy waste (curtialment).
In fact, green or renewable hydrogen is consolidating as a crucial energy vector to reach the decarbonisation of the Spanish energy system. With 20% of European electrolysis projects announced, Spain leads the way, followed by Denmark (12%) and Germany (10%). These three countries could generate more than 40% of Europe´s low-emission hydrogen by 2030.
Hydrogen, the most abundant chemical element in the universe, is not found in its pure state in nature and must be produced. Its sustainability depends on the method of production. Green hydrogen is produced by electrolysis powered by renewable energies, without generating polluting emissions, making it an indispensable ally in meeting global climate targets.
This resource offers a viable solution for storing renewable energy and decarbonising difficult sectors such as industry and transport. At CARTIF, we have carried out an exhaustive analysis using advanced energy models to explore how this vector could be implemented in different future scenarios. To do so, we have used tools such as LEAP and other prospective methodologies that allow us to assess economic, social and environmental impacts.
Context and objectives
The main objective of this analysis is to know the possibilities of integrating renewable hydrogen in Spain as a key strategy for achieving climate neutrality by 2050. This study is based on three fundamental scenarios that describe different development trajectories:
Trending: represents a trend development of the energy system without the application of additional masures since 2019.
PNIEC Objective: considers the policies and objectives set out in the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC)
Ambitious: proposes a high penetration of the renewable hydrogen, alligned with the goals of the European Hydrogen Roadmap.
This analysis also includes a comprehensive approach to assess economic, social and environmental impacts, thus allowing for the identification of barriers and opportunities for the energy transition in Spain.
To carry out this analysis, a simulation model was developed in the LEAP tool, capable of projecting both energy demand and generation over long-term time horizons. The model combines:
Socioeconomic projections, including variables such as PIB an population evolution.
Historical data on energy consumption and generation, essential to establish a base year reference
Specific scenarios that include different hydrogen penetration levels.
Key technologies integration such as electrolysers and hydrogen storage in salt caverns.
In addition, differnt national and international energy policies were evaluated, such as the Spanish Hydrogen Roadmap and the European Union´s vision of a “Clean planet for all”, as well as emission restrictions and reaching a certain percentage of renewables by 2050.
In the baseline scenario, where energy policies for demand reduction and decarbonisation aren´t considered, total energy demand in Spain would increase by 7% between 2020 and 2050. This growth is due to an increase ithe electrification of key sectors, following the trend observed so far. The PNIEC Objective scenario contemplate a much more significant improvement in energy efficiency and, above all, transitions from very energy intensive technologies to less energy intensive options (e.g. buses) or electricity consuming alternatives (e.g. heat pumps), using 40% less total energy in 2050 compared to the baseline scenario. In addition, there is a higher electrification (an increase of 26.6% between 2019 and 2050). In the scenarios that include hydrogen, electricity consumption in electrolysers is increased in exchange for decreasing the use of fossil fuels in the overall energy system.
Evolution of the system demand by sector on the different scenarios (TWh)
In terms of electricity sector supply, scenarios with hydrogen storage manage to reduce the renewable energy that cannot be harnessed due to lack of demand, known as curtailment, by up to 68%, allowing for greater efficiency in the use of renewable energies and avoiding oversized investments in installed capacity. This is mainly due to hydrogen´s ability to act as a energy storage vector, transforming surplus renewable generation into hydrogen that can be stored and used in periods of high demand or low renewable production. In addition, hydrogen systems such as electrolysers and fuel cells also improve the flexibility of the electricity system, enabling more efficient integration of intermittent sources such as solar and wind. These technological advances also reduce reliance on non-renewable sources during periods of high demand, consolidating a more sustainable energy system.
Results summary
In terms of emissions, in the baseline scenario CO2 equivalent emissions increaseslightly until 2050 due to limited electrification and continued dependence on fossil fuels.
The PNIEC objective scenario reduce emissions by 30% between 2019 and 2050, partially meeting climate objectives. A 100% renewable electricity grid is reach, although with a large investment. However, the 90% emission reduction target compared to1990 is not reached due to emissions caused by energy demand from other sectors.
Similar to the case of costs, in the basic hydrogen penetration scenario, emissions are reduced slightly, but not significantly. In the ambitious hydrogen scenario, thanks to a high penetration of electrolysers and energy storage, a 90% reduction in emissions is achieved, in line with the climate neutrality proposed by the PNIEC.
Emissions evolution (M ton. Co2 eq.)
Conclusions
The integration of renewable hydrogen into the Spanish energy system is essential to reach climate objectives and decarbonise key sectors such as industry and transport. The results of this study highlightthat:
It is essential to incorporate energy storage technologies, such as hydrogen, to maximise the use of renewable energies and reduce the losses and cost overruns associated with curtailment.
Current policies need to be strengthened and updated to ensure that the 2050 objectives are met, including incentives for the installation of electrolysers and hydrogen storage.
Increased investment in R&D for the development of hydrogen technologies will improve the economic and environmental sustainability of the system
Good planning of the energy transition towards climate neutrality is very importnat, with parallel efforts on decarbonisation of electricity generation and energy demand, and renewable hydrogen generation.
At CARTIF, we not only develop innovative technological solutions that drive the transition to decarbonised energy systems, but we also provide detailed energy reports and studies such as this one, designed to support institutions and companies in making key decisions for a sustainable future.
Co-author
Pablo Serna Bravo.Industrial Engineer. He has been working at CARTIF since 2023 as a researcher specialising in hydrogen, energy modelling and global energy policy analysis.
Historically, much attention has been paid to out door air quality, especially pollution generated by cars and factories, and its impact on health. While this concern for outdoor air is well-founded, and certainly of concern, its “sister”, indoor air quality, is often overshadowed, when in reality, the concentration of pollutants and the time of exposure to them is much higher.
Think about it: How much time do you spend on indoor? You have dinner, sleep in a closed room, wake up, go to work (probably by bus or car), go to work, where you spend eight hours, return home by car, and then, it will depend on the activities of each one, but, unless you do some sport or activity that is exclusively outdoors, you will still be indoors. In other words, let´s suppose that, if you have dinner at 22h, probably until you leave work and eatl (if you leave at 15h, and as soon as you arrive you eat), you will have been almost continuously inside an enclosed space for 18 hours. 18 hours out of 24 hours indoors at least.
With this in mind, it certainly makes sense to be concerned about what we breathe at home, or at work, especially as studies attributte more than five million premature deaths per year to poor indoor air quality. On the other hand, there are also many diseases that are associated with, or exarcebated by, poor indoor air quality : asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (known as COPD), cardiovascular disease, headaches and migraines.
This is where the K-HEALTHinAIR project comes in, a project that seeks to identify and address the different pollutants present indoors, and assess how they affect human health. To do this, it combines low-cost air monitoring technologies in different spaces (hospitals, classrooms, homes, residences…) with data analysis tools to understand exposure to these pollutants, and propose innovative solutions to mitigate their effects.
At this point, the question of what are these harmful pollutants that we breathe in on a daily basis, and their sources, is likely to arise: some of the most common major indoor pollutants are CO2, which comes from human respiration and can cause fatigue, headaches, or decreased concentration; formaldehyde, present in furniture, paints, building materials, cigarette smoke, causing eye, nose and throat irritation, bronchitis and related to an increased risk of cancer; particulate matter (PM), originating from cooking and combustion activities in general. Smaller particles can enter the lungs, causing respiratory and cardiovascular problems; volatile organic compounds (VOCs), originating from cooking, cigarette smoke, air fresheners, paints… They can cause dizziness, asthma, irritation; and nitrogen dioxide (N2O), present due to cooking or gas cooker combustion, or fuel combustion. This pollutant can worsen respiratory symptoms2. In addition, outdoor sources can also influence indoor air quality.
Source: González-Martín J, Kraakman NJR, Pérez C, Lebrero R, Muñoz R. A state–of–the-art review on indoor air pollution and strategies for indoor air pollution control. Chemosphere. 2021;262:128376. doi:10.1016/J.CHEMOSPHERE.2020.128376
In other words, many of the activities or materials used on a daily basis can be a source of indoor pollutants. But just as these pollutants have ‘simple and common’ sources, so do some of the strategies you can apply to counteract them: regular ventilation (yes, it is winter now and on days when temperatures are close to Siberian, it is not pleasant, but a few minutes is probably enough) is always a good way. Or in the case of cooking, the use of extractor hoods. Reducing the use of air fresheners can also help to reduce these pollutants and thus improve indoor air quality. As explained above, smoking is also very harmful, so ideally this activity should not be carried out indoors. These are examples of simple activities to do to improve indoor air quality, and therefore your quality of life.
Ultimately, indoor air quality is a fundamental issue that should not be overlooked. Although sources of pollution in the home or indoors may seem unavoidable, small changes in our daily habits and conscious choices can make a big difference to our health and well-being. It’s not just about improving the environment we live in, but about protecting ourselves and our families from the negative effects of polluted air. After all, if we spend so much of our lives indoors, why not make those spaces a place where breathing is synonymous with health and tranquillity?
1 González-Martín J, Kraakman NJR, Pérez C, Lebrero R, Muñoz R. A state–of–the-art review on indoor air pollution and strategies for indoor air pollution control. Chemosphere. 2021;262:128376. doi:10.1016/J.CHEMOSPHERE.2020.128376
2 Mannan M, Al-Ghamdi SG. Indoor Air Quality in Buildings: A Comprehensive Review on the Factors Influencing Air Pollution in Residential and Commercial Structure. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, Vol 18, Page 3276. 2021;18(6):3276. doi:10.3390/IJERPH18063276
Every time I walk past the supermarket shelf and see it, I can´t help but smile. At CARTIF, we are incredibly proud to share with you that the result of the KOMFIBRA project has made its way to the market. Once again, a product developed by CARTIF has become a reality and is now available for everyone to enjoy. This achievement was made possible thanks to the collaborative efforts with our friends at KOMVIDA.
The product? Kombucha enriched with fiber- a fermented tea containing probiotics and prebiotics, with a refreshing lime-lemon flvaor and light natural bubbles, unpasteurized. A healthy and delicious drink that everyone is talking about.
What was our challenge?
This project has been a true scientific and technological challenge, but every step along the way brought us closer to our goal: creating a functional product that is healthy, innovative and accessible to all.
During the first phase, we evaluated various types of fiber based on their solubility and their ability to preserve the sensory characteristics or original kombucha. We also consducted multiple tests to determine the best time to add the fiber during the production process to ensure its stability and flavor.
In the second phase, it was time to move from the laboratory to the industrial plant. The result? A drink with perfect bubbles, a delicious flavor, and a natural sewwtness enhanced by the added fiber, making it even more enjoyable.
Finally, the clinical study. We wanted this kombucha to taste great, but we also needed to confirm its health benefits. In a study with 60 healthy volunteers, we observed:
A reduction in blood triglyceride levels compared to the control group.
An increase in beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium, essential for a healthy hut microbiota.
A decrease in a microorganism associated with intestinal issues.
Kombucha, a product for everyone
The best part? This kombucha is proof that innovation and great taste can go hand in hand. We´ve ensured it´s safe, well-tolerated, and has exceeded consumer satisfaction expectations during the study.
We want to thank KOMVIDA for trusting in CARTIF´s innovation and for the amazing teamwork that brought this challenge to the shelves, Seeing, touching, and tasting the result of our work is an incredible source of pride.
Try it!
Komvida Fibra is more than just a drink; it´s an ally for your well-being. It´s already available on the market, and we´re confident you´ll love it as much as we do.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of this excting journey!
In 2020, Spain took a firm step towards decarbonisation with the publication of the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC). Among the measures highlighted, renewable hydrogen or green hydrogen, i.e., hydrogen generated in electrolysers powered by renewable energy, emerged as a key solution to reduce emissions in various sectors.
One of these measures was the publication of a Hydrogen Roadmap, which sets out concrete strategies to avoid CO2 emissions through hydrogen, replacing fossil fuels in uses such as heat generation for industry or housing, or as fuel in means of transport such as lorries or ships. It also sets targets for hydrogen use by 2030, including having 4 GW of installed capacity of electrolysers and replacing 25% of the hydrogen consumed in industry with green hydrogen.
Fig.1. Objectives of the Hydrogen Roadmap. Source: Hydrogen Roadmap
Thanks to these policies, both both local and international companies will start to invest in hydrogen, proposing projects with electrolysers of up to 100 MW to supply peninsular consumers. European programmes will help finance these projects, although they will also depend to a large extent on private investment.
European Union policies on hydrogen
The European Comission adopted its hydrogen strategy in July 2020, calling for a total of 40 GW of electrolyser capacity for the whole region by 2030, and hydrogen consumption accounting for 24% of all final energy by 2050. In addition, through other policies such as the “Fit for 55” package or RePowerEU, it will set an objective of 10 Mt of hydrogen generation and 20 Mt of consumption; 75% substitution of fossil fuels with renewables (including hydrogen) in industry and 5% in transport; and construction of up to 28,000km of hydrogen exchange pipelines, all by 2030.
Programmes are also being created to finance the installation of hydrogen infrastructure, such as “Hy2Tech” or “Hy2Infra”, which, between different calls for public and private funding, have raised more than 38 billion euros; as well as institutions designed to vridge the price gap that green hydrogen currently has, such as the European Hydrogen Bank.
Figure 2 shows the installation objectives of the different EU countries, which together manage to exceed the overall target for the region. Countries such as France and the Netherlands plan to reach up to 6GW of national capacity, followed by Germany, Italy and Denmark with 5 GW, or Romania and Spain with 4 GW.
Fig.2. Targets for installed capacity of electrolysers in EU countries by 2030. Source: Own elaboration for HYDRA project
According to the 2024 Global Hydrogen Review published by the International Energy Agency, the current installed capacity in Europe is 2 GW, leaving the 40 GW target a long way off. The challenges of financing for large infrastructure, electrolyser manufacturing capacity and connecting hydrogen producers and consumers need to be overcome to boost this growth.
Hydrogen policies in the rest of the world
At a global level, goverments´ concern for the energy and environmental situation has drivenpolicies and strategies for decarbonisation using renewable hydrogen. Not only large hydrogen producing and consuming countries, but also countries that see hydrogen as a great opportunity for development and economic growth, thinking about the posibility of international trade.
Figure 3 shows the electrolysers installation targets of other countries compared to the EU, together reaching more than 250 GW. Regions such as Europe, Russia and USA will try to reach more than 40 GW of generation, but also countries such as Chile, India or Canada are planning large investments, taking advantage of the opportunity to trade with hydrogen.
Fig.3. Global installed power targets for 2030. Source: own elaboration for HYDRA project.
Achieving the proposed targets, especially considering that we are halfway through many of them, is a considerable challenge. Of the 520 GW of projects announced for 2024, only 20 GW have reached the final financing decision, making this the biggest challenge to hydrogen penetration. As for electrolyser manufacturing capacity, it currently stands at 5 GW, although it has increased ninefold since 2021. The challenges are great, however, the global commitment and the desire to lead this energy revolution keep the commitment to hydrogen as a transformational solution alive.
The future of hydrogen in Spain
Spain updated the PNIEC in 2023, increasing the objective for electrolysers capacity to 12 GW by 2030, more than a quarter of the total European Union target. Spain currently has an installed electrolyser capacity of 35 MW, and has the largest industrial electrolyser in Europe: a 20 MW electrolyser located in Puertollano, Ciudad Real. However, for the time being it depends on external electrolyser manufacturers.
“Spain has the largest industrial electrolyser in Europe. 20 MW located in Puertollano, Ciudad Real”
This commitment reinforces the need to careful planning to maximise the economic, environmental and social benefits of this revolution. Despite progress in funding and project approval, further analysis of the impacts of hydrogen on the economy, land use and society is still needed.
Thanks to the use of Integrated Assesment Models, we can simulate complex scenarios and assess the effects of this transition, ensuring data-driven planning with a holistic sustainability perspective. At CARTIF, we work to understand and optimise the role of hydrogen in the energy transition. Through HYDRA project (no. GA 101137758), we have analysed hydrogen policies at European and global level, using Integrated Assesment Models (IAMs) to explore how this technology can be sustainably integrated into different sectors.
The implementation of policies such as RePowerEU and support for “hydrogen valleys” demonstrate a strong commitment to the development of this technology. However, international collaboration and strategic planning will remain essential to maximise its positive impact.
Renewable hydrogen represents a unique opportunity to transform our energy model and move towards a cleaner and more sustainable economy. At CARTIF, we continue to research and developsolutions that makes this vision a reality.
The future of hydrogen is now! Join the revolution and discover how this technology is changing the world.
