In March 2024 I was at a conference on information technologies during which a person from REE stated that in the future we will not be able to take the security of electricity supply for granted. This person did not explain the reason for such a statement, but I do not think he was thinking of a catastrophic blackout like the one we suffered last April 28,2025 in Spain. From the context of the workshop, it is possible that he meant that, in an electricity system based exlcusively on renewable generation, there may be times when the available generation will not be able to cover all demand without bringing down the entire electricity system. In any case, this hypothetical situation is related to what some consider to be, if not the cause of the blackout, at least its framework. I´m refering to the lack of inertia in the electric system.
For years, research articles have been published characterizing inertia and studying how it has been decreasing as the penetration of renewable energies has increased. This hasn´t not only occured in Spain, but also in all countries that are introducing renewable energies in a significant way. The famous 50 Hz of the grid, which we see on the nameplates of any domestic device, have their origin in the rotation of the rotors of the alternators of hydroelectric, thermal and nuclear power plants which, thanks to their mass, have the inertia that allows them to compensate for sudden and transient variations in frequency. As these types of generators lose ground in electricity generation, physical sources at 50Hz also disappear, and the system becomes more vulnerable to inestabilities that can alter this frequency. Redeia itself acknowledge the risk this situation poses to the electricity system´s balancing capacity in its 2024 Consolidated Management Report. This should lead us yo believe that the transition to an electricity system based only on renewable energy can not consist only of installing more and more renewable generation capacity.
Renewable energy sources, both wind and photovoltaic, use electronic power converters. These converters are designed to feed the energy into a well-constituted grid with its expected 50 Hz. They are grid-following converters. For that reason, if they detect that the grid is unstable they disconnect from it. This is what may have happened on April 28 when, according to ENTSO-e, the frequency dropped to 48 Hz. Unlike conventional converters, there are others capable of generating synthetic inertia, i.e., by means of appropriate devices and control techniques, it is possible for the converters to react within milliseconds to changes in the grid frequency and thus mimic the response of a generator with natural inertia. In this way, renewable generation could contribute to grid stability. Such converters can also achieve the same effect with batteries, so that the batteries would not only store the renewable surplus, but also contribute to grid stability. But for such converters to be developed commercially, they need to be covered by regulations. The European Union launched the procedure in 2022 to initiate the revision of the corresponding grid codes, but it is a process that takes years until each country finally integrates them into its regulations. It will also be necessary to modify the regulations so that batteries can have access to all the services available on the market.
It should not be forgotten that demand can also contribute to grid stability. In Spain, the active demand response service (SRAD) has already been activated four times, through which the system operator requests the disconnection of the loads of those consumers who voluntarily participate in the service and who receive remuneration in exchange for their flexibility. But the conditions for participation leave out many potential participants. It is necessary to lower the minimum power or allow the aggregation of consumers and increase the frequency of auctions to facilitate the incorporation of more power to the service. It seems that all these ideas are already on the table and could be a reality soon. Along the same lines, the announced capacity market could play an important role in the stability of the system. In this market, generation, storage and demand will be able to participate. It seems that aggregation will be allowed, which could open the door for small consumers, such as domestic consumers, to take advantage of the flexibility of their demand for their own benefit and for the benefit of the system.
“The Active Demand Response Service (SRAD) is established as a specific balancing product provided by the electricity demand of the Spanish peninsula electrical system to address situations where a shortage of upward tertiary regulation reserve is identified.”
Finally, to transform the electrical system, in addition to all of the above, new lines will have to be laid in the most saturated areas and grid monitoring improved. Simply filling thousands of acres with panels and wind turbines isn’t enough. And an important question remains: how to finance all of this.
In 2022, the European Commision launched one of its most ambitious initiatives: the Smart and Climate Neutral Cities Mission for 2030. In this mission, 112 cities were selected from among 377 candidates to lead the transition to climate neutrality and achieve it by 2030, 20 years before the global target set for the entire continent in the European Green Pact. Among them are 7 Spanish cities: Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Valladolid, Vitoria and Zaragoza.
The Mission introduced a results-oriented logic, with the Climate City Contracts (CCC) as a central tool to articulate three pillars necessary to achieve this transformation: political commitment, technical roadmap and integrated financial mechanisms.
“The Climate City Contracts (CCC) are voluntary agreements between cities and the European Commision that looks for collaborate to address the challenges of climate change at the local level”
Three years after its launch, and in the context of the recent Mission Conference1“Building on Cities´Successes: Driving Climate Action for 2030”; held in Vilnius (Lithuania) from May 6-8, which served as a key meeting point for mission cities, their technology partnerts and the European Commision, it is timely to review progress. From CARTIF, as an active partner in several projects linked to the Mission, we have closely experienced this evolution from the initial vision to the current implementations that we can summarize by taking a look at the mission projects in which we work:
NETZEROCITIES(GA 101036519), platform that supports the implementation of the mission, acts as its methodological backbone, providing technical assistance, support to the “pioneer cities” and the development of tools for urban innovation (several designed and developed by CARTIF as technological partner of the project) that are helping to consolidate a common approach for all participating cities, beyond individual projects. In this context, it also highlights the role of CapaCITIES (GA 101056927), of which CARTIF is also part, and which acts as a catalyst to strengthen the institutional, technical and of governance capacities of the cities, replicating the concept of mission implementation platform in national contexts.
In NEUTRALPATH (GA 101096753), project coordinated by CARTIF, we are working with Zaragoza and Dresden to develop Positive Energy Districts (PEDs), capable of producing more energy than they consume as one of the main elements to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions and therefore achieve climate neutrality. This transformation requires integrated solutions in energy efficiency, renewable energy, storage, digitalization and citizen participation. The project is demonstrating that the neighbourhood scale approach can be not only viable, but replicable, and key to reaching urban climate neutrality.
In ASCEND(GA 101096571) , where CARTIF participates as a partner, we collaborate with the cities of Lyon and Munich in the accelerated demonstration of integrated and scalable urban solutions, also associated with the concept of Positive Energy Districts (PED). Our role focuses on the design of climate impact planning and monitoring tools, enabling cities to make informed and adaptive decisions. ASCEND seeks not only to test technologies, but to orchestrate them in real urban ecosystems, with the ambition to scale.
Finally, in MOBILITIES FOR EU (GA 101139666), coordinated by CARTIF, we collaborate with Madrid and Dresden to demonstrate electric and autonomous mobility solutions, connected to renewable energy infrastructure and smart urban grids such as advanced 5G systems. Our approach combines technology, systemic analysis and business models to accelerate the adoption of clean solutions for mobility of people and goods.
The Vilnius conference has highlighted that the Mission is no longer a promise, but a network of cities in full transformation. From CARTIF, at the forefront of the implementation of the mission, we reaffirm our commitment to this vision: to put innovation at the service of cities and businesses to make them more sustainable, fair and resilient.
These projects are funded by the Horizon Europe research and innovation program.
1 Cities Mission Conference “Harnessing City Successes: Advancing Climate Action for 2030”
When summer arrives and temperatures starts to increase, is frequent making the same question: why in the city center temperatures are higher than in an edification area in a rural environment?
The answer is simple: is due to the urban heat island effect.
But, what urban heat island effect is?
Urban heat island effect is a local climatic phenomenon that causes the built environment to exhibit significantly higher temperatures than the surrounding areas. This effect is especially intensified at night and during the hottest times of the year, such as summer. The occurence of this phenomenon generates negative effects on both the health and quality of life of city dwellers, but also has a considerable impact on vegetation and the urban environment in general, contributing significantly to increasing the effects of climate change.
“Urban heat island effect is a local climatic phenomenon that causes the built environment to exhibit significantly higher temperatures than the surrounding areas.”
The origin of the urban heat island lies in the characteristics of the built environment itself. Materials such as asphalt, concrete and brick absorb radiation and retain heat during the day and release it slowly at night, preventing temperature regulation. This problem is often exarcebated when urban vegetation is reduced or scarce, when the design and orientation of streets limits air circulation and therefore the evacuation of heat accumulated during the day and the existence of anthropogenic emission sources, i.e., heat from vehicles, industries and air conditioning systems. All this contributes to the fact that, on average, the temperature in the city centre can be several degrees higher than in its peryphery or in rural environments.
What effects or negative consecuencies generate about the people life and environment?
Firstly, it has a significant impact on health, since high temperatures can cause general malaise, respiratory problems, sunstroke, dehydration, fatigue and even increased mortality due to heat stroke1. Secondly, there is the need for higher energy consumption due to cooling requirements, which is often associated with higher electricity prices. Thirdly, the urban heat island contributes to a worsening of air quality, aggravating the greenhouse effect problem. Finally, the economic impact it causes should be highlighted, as it can double the losses predicted by climate change.
And to reduce these effects, what measures are efficient in face of the impact of the urban heat island?
Fundamentally, strategies such as the increase in plant surfaces and bodies of water (green and blue infrastructure), where the planting of trees and the creation of urban parks to help regulate the temperature of the environment, or green roofs and vertical gardens that cover buildings with vegetation to improve thermal insulation and reduce surface temperature, are of particular importance. Other strategies include the use of reflective materials (high albedo) that reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it, thus contributing significantly to reducing heat accumulation. However, one of the most efficient measures is proper urban planning through strategies that integrate climatic conditions into the design of the built environment, such as the promotion of a balanced density to ensure energy efficiency, access to services and open spaces without generating thermal overcrowding, the promotion of streets and public spaces aligned with the prevailing winds, allowing natural ventilation while reducing the thermal canyon effect associated with narrow streets. Finally, it is also worth mentioning sustainable mobility strategies, whether through the design of walkable cities, with access to public transportation and non-motorized means, or the promotion of electric vehicles that help reduce the heat emitted by engines.
Although major urban transformations that can generate highly visible impacts of the urban heat island require decisions by governments in collaboration with urban planning experts, every citizen can contribute with his or her small grain of sand to reduce the impact of the urban heat island. Small actions such as planting trees in yards and gardens, opting for light-colored paint for roofs and facades of houses, reducing energy consumption by regulating the thermal comfort of the home, using more public transport, walking or cycling can all make a significant contribution to reducing the impact of the urban heat island. All these measures can make a significant contribution to reducing the heat accumulated in the urban environment. Joint action that integrates small individual actions and large collective initiatives can be presented as the most efficient way to mitigate the urban heat island, which is considered one of the most important challenges of modern urbanization.
From CARTIF, we work to help the different public administrations in the development of solutions, plans and strategies for adaptation to climate change and its effects. It is worth mentioning the project in which we work together with GEOCYL Consultoría S.L. and the Natural Heritage Foundation of Castilla y León (CENCYL_ISLACALOR) in which we have worked on the quantification of the urban heat island effect in three Spanish cities (Valladolid, Salamanca and Ciudad Rodrigo) and five Portuguese cities (Almeida, Aveiro, Coimbra, Guarda and Viseu) of the CENCYL network, in which we also evaluated the impact caused by the increase in temperatures and defined relevant indicators for monitoring. For this purpose, Sentinel 2 and Sentinel 3 images have been used to define high resolution maps (10 meters) for daytime and nighttime surface temperature, which have been integrated into a multi-criteria decision analysis to define in detail the areas with the highest thermal load at city level. In addition, in the CLIMRES andINHERIT projects, we are working on the development of climate services to help reduce the effects of rising temperatures on the building sector and heritage, respectively.
1In 2022 natural disasters in Spain caused 45 deaths, 45% of which were caused by high temperatures. (Source: Aon Spain Foundation based on data from the Ministry of the Interior (2023))
Today I would like to talk to you about a problem that is increasingly being discussed, but which still surprises many people: what happens to the blades of the wind turbines when they are no longer useful? Because yes, they also “retire”, and when they do, they generate waste that is difficult to manage.
We all agree that wind energy is a marvel. It´s clean, renewable and a great ally against climate change. But, like almost everything in life, it also has its B side. The first thing that comes to mind when we think of a wind turbine, are those huge blades spinning in the wind to give us electricity without polluting. And yes, that´s great…while they´re working. The problem comes when these blades reach the end of their useful life and have to be disposed of. Then, what was a brilliant solution becomes a headache. And a big one at that. Becasue these paddles are designed to resist everything: wind, rain, sun, snow…That´s why they are light and very resistant, thanks to the materials they are made of: composite materials (fibreglass and resins) and balsa wood. The disadvantage is that, precisely because of these resistant materials, they aren´t easy to recycle. And of course, the question is inevitable: what we do with them?
For you to have an idea of the size of the problem, at the end of 2024 in Spain alone, there were 1,371 wind farms spread across 828 municipalities, with no less than 22,210 wind turbines and more than 65,000 installed blades1. And watch out, because almost 35% of these wind turbines were commissioned before 2002, which means that they have already exceed 20 years of useful life, which is usually between 15 and 25 years. In other words, in the coming years we will be faced with a veritable avalanche of blades that will have to bel dismantled and managed.
“In Spain, at the end of 2024, there were 1,371 wind farms with 22,210 wind turbines and more than 65,000 installed blades”
What if we look beyond our borders? In Europe, it´s estimated that by 2050, the volume of blades waste will generate more than 2 million tons per year, and that the cumulative total could reach 43 million of tons2. All these tonnes are best understood if we remember that a single badle can measure more than 50 metres and weigh around 6 tonnes- almost nothing! Tons and tons of badles that we can not simply sweep under the carpet (or rather in the landfill). And no, that´s obviously not a good option, nor is it sustainable. And the most worrying thing: there is still no generalised solution for all that material.
And in this is where our work comes in. At CARTIF, we have been working precisely on this, on finding a second life for these blades. One of the projects in which I have participated is called LIFE REFIBRE, and in it we have developed equipment to mechanically recycle these blades. What we do is crush them under very controlled conditions to recover the glass fibre they contain. And what do we do with that fibre? Well, we have incorporated it into asphalt road mixes. And it works! It provides extra properties that improve the durability of the road surface. So not only do we prevent this waste from ending up in landfill, but we also give added value to the roads, being a clear example ofcircular economy.
What is interesting is that there is no a single way to recycle these blades. In addition to mechanical recycling, at CARTIF we have also investigated other more advanced and promising ways, such as pyrolysis and chemical recycling.Pyrolisis is a thermal process in which the blades are heated in the absence of oxygen, which allows the resins to be broken down without burning them. This process produces gases, liquids and glass fibres. The gases and liquids can be recovered energetically, and the glass fibres are practically free of resin. At CARTIF we have worked on optimising the process conditions to maximise fibre recovery with its mechanical properties as intact as possible. On the other hand, chemical recycling consists of applying specific reagents to selectively degrade the resins and thus separate the glass fibres without damaging them and better preserving their structural properties. This allows them to be reused in higher valued-added applications, such as new composite materials, automotive componentes, etc. Both techniques present challenges, such as energy efficiency, by-products recovery or industrial scalability, but their potential is huge. Obtaining glass fibres without resin opens the door to reuse them in much more demanding products. At CARTIF we continue to investigate these avenues because we firmly believe that the future lies in solutions that not only avoid landfill, but also transform a complex waste into a valuable resource.
The important thing is not to look the other way and think about what happens when the mill stops turning. Because blades are not to be uses and thrown away, nor are they to be buried in disguise. They also deserve a second life, and that is why we need solutions that are truly sustainable and circular. And, from my experience, I can assure you that you can find them. Because yes, blades also have the right to a dignified retirement…..and a sustainable one.
1 Spanish eolic association/ Eolic Report 2024. The sector voice
2 Wind energy in Europe/ 2024 Statistics and the outlook for 2025-2030
When an organisation decides to invest in innovation, it often activates not only a technical or strategic process, but also an internal dynamic that complicates decision-making. What at first appears to be a clear commitment soon becomes a chain of uncertainties, cross-validations and multiple opinions. It is as if the organisational chart stretches vertically and widens horizontally. Where once there was a clear direction, new levels of decision-making appear… more departments are involved… new voices feel the need to evaluate, question or even redefine the proposal. And while this cross-cutting interest in innovation processes shows that the subject matters, it also introduces noise, friction and, often, paralysis… so much analysis!!!!
Innovation managers know this all too well. They face the daily challenge of justifying why it is necessary to invest in an idea that has not yet shown a return, and explaining why it is not possible to continue doing the same old thing, even if it seems safer. They live with tight budgets, uncertain timelines and the need to align expectations with multiple stakeholders, each with their own vision of what it means to ‘innovate’.
In this context, many key decisions end up depending more on the mood of the day than on the strategic logic that should support the decision. Innovation then becomes a sort of corporate game of chance. Like when, as children, we used to pluck a daisy to find out if someone loved us:
Generate by artificial intelligence
‘Now they approve of me… now they don’t. Now they see it clearly… now they don’t. Now we invest… now we don’t’.’
Although it may seem anecdotal, this dynamic has real consequences. Innovation cannot depend on chance, nor on a succession of subjective ‘yeses’ or ‘noes’. Because while there is doubt, the market moves on, opportunities expire, technologies consolidate and the one that improves competitiveness is someone else. And the most worrying thing is that when this logic is repeated many times, it ends up discouraging the teams that drive innovation from within. Frustration builds up, motivation drops, and what could have been a culture of change towards organisational prosperity becomes a culture of restraint and unease.
This is where technology centres play a key role. Our mission is not to replace business decision-making, but to reduce the risk that surrounds it. We act as agents that provide objectivity, knowledge and technical validation in the different phases of innovation projects:
We develop proofs of concept to anticipate the viability of a solution before a large investment is made.
We provide data and evidence to support decisions with greater confidence.
We connect science and technology with the real challenges of the productive fabric.
We create safe experimentation environments, where it is possible to fail quickly and cheaply, learn and adjust before scaling up.
In short, we help transform those ‘no’s’ born of fear or uncertainty into ‘yes’s’ backed by knowledge and long-term vision. But in addition to technical support, we help with something equally important: building organisational trust in innovation.
“Technology centres helps on building organisational trust in innovation”
We help to create the necessary framework of trust in the innovation teams that already exist within the company, so that little by little the cultural change that the markets are demanding can be created. We create confidence in the innovation teams: in their judgement, in their knowledge of the business and in their ability to explore, test and build new solutions.
Because innovation should not require redesigning the organisational chart every time something new is proposed. It should not multiply approval levels or cause a cascade of unnecessary revisions. If something has to change in the structure of a company as a result of an innovation project, it should be to enter a new market, launch a new line of business, or scale a differential product that did not exist before.
Innovation processes are not born to complicate the structure of an organisation and much less to complicate the people who are part of the organisation. Innovation will prepare you for the future. And for this, the formula is clear: autonomy, method and expert support. Innovation is not a luxury or a risky bet. It is a strategic necessity to remain relevant. And like any strategy, it must be managed with rigour, with structure and with allies that provide real value. That is what we at the technology centres are here for: to walk alongside those who are leading change, to reduce uncertainty and to help turn good ideas into tangible results.
Innovate for you, innovate for me, innovate for all of us
In a world seeking to reduce its carbon footprint and move towards a circular economy, anaerobic microorganisms are emerging as key players in the fight against climate change. These organisms, which thrive in environments without oxygen, have been used for decades in processes such as anaerobic digestion for waste treatment and biogas production. However, their potential goes far beyond this. Thanks to advances in biotechnology, anaerobic microorganisms are emerging as key tools for industrial decarbonisation through innovative processes such as gas fermentation, where they can transform CO2 or CO into high value-added products.
Heavy industries, such as steel, concrete and petrochemicals, generate large amounts of CO2 and CO as a by-product of their processes. Traditionally, these gases have been released into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. However, synthetic biology and biotechnology have opened up a new avenue to harness these emissions and convert them into valuable products through the action of specialised anaerobic micro-organisms.
Anaerobic bacteria, such as Clostridium, Moorella and Acetobacterium, can use CO2 and CO as a carbon source and transform them into organic compounds via specialised metabolic pathways. This process, known as gas fermentation, facilitates the conversion of industrial emissions into renewable chemicals, fuels and biomaterials, promoting a more sustainable economy. For example, Acetobacterium woodii and Moorella thermoacetica are acetogenic bacteria capable of converting CO2 in acetic acid, a key input for the chemical and food industry, while species as Clostridium Ijundahlii can produce acetate and ethanol, making them a viable alternative for the generation of biofuels and other products of industrial interest.
Image of Clostridium autoethanogenum growing from CO2/CO as a source of C.
In addition to ethanol or acetic acid, anaerobic bacteria are capable of generating other compounds of interest such as butanol, acetone and other organic acids like formic, propionic or butyric acid. These products are key in the manufacture of plastics, solvents and other chemical compounds with high industrial demand.
Biopolymers and bioplastics represent another promising avenue. Cupriavidus necator can transform CO2 into bioplastic precursors such as polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), biodegradable materials that provide a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics.
Finally, single-cell proteins obtained from CO2 can be produced by various species of hydrogenotrophs, which convert gases such as CO2 and hydrogen into protein-rich biomass. These microbial proteins can be used as an alternative source for animal and even human food, contributing to global food security and reducing pressure on traditional agricultural resources.
“These microbial proteins can be used as an alternative source for animal and even human food”
The use of anaerobic microorganisms for the conversion of CO2 into valuable products offers multiple advantages. In first place, it reduces industrial emissions, mitigating the environmental impact of highly polluting sectors. In addition, it allows a sustainable production of chemical compounds and fuels without relying on fossil resources or agricultural crops.
Industrial gas fermentation processes already exist today and are proving their viability. For example, the company LanzaTech has developed technologies based on acetogenic bacteria to transform CO2 and CO into ethanol and other chemicals, using waste gases from the steel industry. This technology has been implemented in countries such as China and Belgium, where operational industrial plants have successfully converted emissions into biofuels and renewable materials. Another case is Carbon Recycling International (CRI), which uses microorganisms in Iceland to convert CO2 into methanol, a key compound in the chemical and transport industry.
However, despite its enormous potential, the implementation of gas fermentation on an industrial scale faces technical and economic challenges. These include optimising bioprocesses to improve CO2 conversion efficiency, reducing operating costs and developing bioreactors suitable for large-scale production. In addition, it is necessary to advance in the design of genetically modified microorganisms that can maximise the conversion of CO2 into specific products of industrial interest.
The Biotechnology and Sustainable Chemistry area of CARTIF has developed during the last years an intense research activity around gas fermentation technology and the management of anaerobic microorganisms. Specifically, the execution of R&D projects such as BioSFerA or CO2SMOShas allowed us to position ourselves in the European panorama as an entity capable of working successfully with this peculiar class of microorganisms and to specifically optimise their growth conditions in pressurised bioreactor, in order to increase production yields of various compounds such as acetic acid, ethanol or 2,3-butanediol.
As research and development continues to advance, these microorganisms will play an even m
ore fundamental role in the transition towards a more sustainable industry and a society with less environmental impact.
