CIDETEC consolidates its national leadership as a Cervera Centre of Excellence through its participation in the R5DES and SURFERA_DEF projects

CIDETEC is one of the benchmark technology centres in energy and surface engineering thanks to its participation in two new projects within the Network of Excellence.

The network seeks to accelerate technology transfer to the productive sector, strengthen national technological sovereignty and enhance European industrial resilience.

The CDTI Cervera Centres programme grants the distinction of Cervera Centre of Excellence to technology centres participating in strategic R&D projects in technologies considered priorities for Spain. This recognition certifies the scientific quality, technological capability and impact on the productive fabric of the participating centres. CIDETEC was already part of this network thanks to its previous participation in projects linked to both surface technologies and energy, and its involvement in SURFERA_DEF and R5DES further strengthens this strategic position.

CIDETEC Surface Engineering in SURFERA_DEF: surface functionalisation technologies for applications in strategic security and defence fields

The SURFERA_DEF project aims to provide 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 the testing, validation and development of advanced surfaces and coatings for both civil and security and defence applications.

The consortium — made up of AIN, TEKNIKER, IDONIAL, CTME, AIMEN and CIDETEC Surface Engineering — has already successfully completed two other network projects (SURFERA and SURFERA PLUS), thereby consolidating its position 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 grids

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 marked by the increasing integration of renewable energies, the rise of the electric vehicle and the sustained growth in demand.

Among its main advances, the project aims to improve the ability to anticipate critical situations in the grid, efficiently manage consumption peaks and optimise the integration of increasingly variable renewable generation. These innovations will enable a faster and more precise response 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 the analysis of energy markets and community batteries that facilitate the management of critical events and encourage the integration of distributed generation.

The activities will strengthen the resilience of the Spanish electricity system and boost 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.