CIDETEC strengthens its national leadership as a Cervera Centre of Excellence through its participation in the R5DES and SURFERA_DEF projects
CIDETEC is one of Spain’s leading technological centres in energy and surface engineering thanks to its participation in two new Network of Excellence projects.
The network seeks to accelerate technology transfer to the productive sector, strengthen national technological sovereignty, and enhance European industrial resilience.
The CDTI’s Cervera Centres programme awards the distinction of Cervera Centre of Excellence to technological centres participating in strategic R&D projects in technologies considered a priority for Spain. This recognition certifies the scientific quality, technological capability, and impact of participating centres on the productive sector. CIDETEC was already part of this network through its previous involvement in projects linked to both surface technologies and energy, and its participation in SURFERA_DEF and R5DES further reinforces this strategic position.
CIDETEC Surface Engineering in SURFERA_DEF: surface functionalisation technologies for strategic security and defence applications
The SURFERA_DEF project aims to deliver solutions through strategies based on Surface Technologies for the development and functionalisation of high-performance materials capable of operating under extreme conditions, with a particular focus on high temperatures, fire resistance, and low-detectability surfaces for static and dynamic camouflage. SURFERA_DEF will enable the acquisition of new capabilities in testing, validation, and the development of advanced surfaces and coatings for applications in both the civil sector and security and defence.
The consortium — comprising AIN, TEKNIKER, IDONIAL, CTME, AIMEN and CIDETEC Surface Engineering — has already successfully completed two other network projects (SURFERA and SURFERA PLUS), thereby consolidating its role as a national benchmark in surface technologies within the Cervera Networks of Excellence.
CIDETEC Energy Storage in R5DES: digitalisation, resilience and intelligent operation of electricity networks
The R5DES project, led by the Energy Technology Institute (ITE), brings together Tekniker, Ikerlan, ITG and CIDETEC Energy Storage to accelerate the transition towards a more digital, distributed, resilient and decarbonised energy system, in a context shaped by the increasing integration of renewable energy sources, the rise of electric vehicles, and sustained growth in demand.
Among its main advances, the project aims to improve the ability to anticipate critical situations within the grid, efficiently manage peak demand, and optimise the integration of increasingly variable renewable generation. These innovations will enable faster and more precise responses to the needs of the electricity system, strengthening its stability and ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy supply.
CIDETEC Energy Storage plays a key role by contributing expertise and tools such as predictive modelling and HIL validation of SOC/SOH estimators. In addition, the project addresses energy market analysis and community batteries, facilitating the management of critical events and supporting the integration of distributed generation.
These activities will strengthen the resilience of the Spanish electricity system and enhance industrial competitiveness through the adoption of advanced technologies.
Recent evaluations of the Cervera Network of Excellence highlight that 98% of Cervera centres have incorporated new research staff and increased their scientific capacity, reinforcing the programme’s impact on the Spanish innovation system.
