Energy Storage

The initiative, funded by CDTI, brings together leading technology centres to develop advanced solutions for forecasting, distributed control and intelligent operation of electricity networks.

CIDETEC Energy Storage participates as a key member in the new R5DES network of excellence, a technological R&D&I project promoted by the CDTI Cervera Network and led by the Instituto Tecnológico de la Energía (ITE). The other members forming part of the network are Tekniker, Ikerlan and Centro Tecnológico ITG, creating a highly complementary ecosystem of capabilities in energy, digitalisation and innovation for electricity networks.

R5DES takes its name from the five pillars of the energy system of the future:
Efficient distribution, distributed energy, digitalisation, flexible demand and decarbonisation, and is framed within the Energy 5D strategy: Digital, Distributed, Decarbonised, Decentralised and Dynamic.

The objective of this project is to drive new capabilities and technologies that improve the operation of electricity networks in the face of critical events, growing new energy demands and the expansion of decentralised generation. R5DES will therefore help strengthen the resilience, flexibility and sustainability of the Spanish electricity system, consolidating the adoption of advanced technologies and enhancing sector competitiveness.

In addition, the network’s strategic plan is structured around axes such as the creation of high-level scientific capabilities, advanced training, technology transfer and the international positioning of the participating centres. The kick-off meeting held at ITE marked the official start of activities, identifying synergies and opportunities for the next three years of implementation.

CIDETEC’s contribution to R5DES:

CIDETEC Energy Storage will contribute advanced capabilities in storage, digital modelling and techno-economic analysis, reinforcing its strategic role in the energy transition. Specifically, CIDETEC will:

• Increase its capabilities in predictive digital modelling of degradation in storage systems and electrolysers through digital twins and advanced estimators.
• Develop sizing tools and demand and generation forecasting models based on Machine Learning to optimise the location of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs).
• Validate battery SOC/SOH estimators under real conditions using HIL environments.
• Contribute to the development of Energy Management Systems (EMS) integrating storage and renewables within multi-energy schemes.
• Strengthen energy market analysis and the assessment of economic vulnerabilities of large consumers.
• Advance regulatory and techno-economic assessment of storage, including LCOS metrics, identifying barriers and proposing solutions.
• Provide expertise in the design of replicable business models in aggregation and flexibility, with a focus on scalability and sustainability.

The project is funded by CDTI and supported by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities under file reference CER-20251021.

On 28 and 29 January, Donostia will host an international event on gigafactories alongside meetings of two strategic European projects, bringing together some of the most influential experts in the battery sector at international level.

At a time when European industry has highlighted its technological challenges and external dependencies, the recently presented Battery Deal for Europe sets out the roadmap towards a complete, competitive, sustainable and fully self-sufficient value chain. In this key context, CIDETEC Energy Storage will place Donostia at the heart of the European battery innovation landscape by hosting three high-level meetings that will strengthen the region’s position as a benchmark hub for energy storage.

Over the course of these days, around 75 specialists from eight European countries—including representatives from industry, machinery manufacturers, technology centres, universities, and experts in materials and cells—will take part in working sessions linked to two initiatives that are essential for the future of batteries in Europe: ATENA+, focused on the development of sustainable and competitive sodium-ion batteries, and GIGABAT, aimed at promoting digitalised, efficient European gigafactories based on machinery made in Europe.

As the coordinating entity for both projects, CIDETEC Energy Storage will host the ATENA+ and GIGABAT meetings, which will be held at its new facilities in Eskuzaitzeta.

Building and operating
circular Gigafactories in Europe

As a highlight, the final day will feature an international workshop at Naturklima, focusing on one of the major industrial challenges of the coming decade: the design, operation and circularity of European gigafactories. Aligned with the strategy of the Zirkular Bat initiative, in which CIDETEC and Naturklima collaborate, the event will be opened by José Ignacio Asensio, Regional Councillor for Sustainability of the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa.

“Bringing together industrial leaders, leading technology centres and top-level institutional representatives here demonstrates the growing role of our region in the energy transition,” notes Oscar Miguel, Deputy Director of CIDETEC Energy Storage.

Among the experts gathering in Donostia during these days will be representatives of leading European battery manufacturers such as SAFT, PowerCo and Verkor; companies including IBERDROLA Renovables and Dassault Systèmes; renowned technology centres such as RISE, ZSW and VITO, alongside CIDETEC Energy Storage; as well as other key stakeholders such as Braunschweig Technical University, the consultancy McKinsey, and the European associations LIPLANET and UPCELL.

The event will also feature the prominent participation of Joan Gonzalez Fabra, R&I Policy Officer at BEPA (Batteries European Partnership Association), who will deliver a presentation on the Battery Deal for Europe, providing strategic insight into the sector’s priorities and needs.