Technological advances in solar energy.

Multidisciplinary engineering teams have developed cylindrical-parabolic collector technology such as the SENERtrough system which SENER designed and patented. This technology has resulted in a significant reduction in weight and required assembly time when compared with similar collectors and collector components such as heliostats, heliostat actuators, tower receivers, etc. as well as molten salt use and storage systems. These systems permit the power production to be largely enhaunced when compared to a conventional thermosolar power plant. SENER has also developed technology for direct vapor and beam-down generation systems, as well as the SENSOL software which aids in the dimensioning and optimization of plants.

Recently, the company has developed a new product in the solar energy field, high precision dual axis solar trackers for Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) and Concentrated Photovoltaic (CPV). Therefore, SENER is established as a market leader in the design, development, production and product support of electromechanical and control systems for critical applications.

Tried and tested.

At the moment, SENER is participating in three thermosolar projects for diverse clients. Two of the projects are 50 MWe plants, Andasol1 and Andasol2, which utilize SENERtrough cylindrical-parabolic technology. Andasol1 is already in operation. Both are located in the Granada province, near Guadix. The plants are being built in collaboration with ACS-Cobra, and a similar third plant, Extresol 1, is being built in Extremadura.

The company is also participating in additional plant projects, similar to those previously mentioned, which will be located in Andalusia, Extremadura, and Castile-La Mancha. The construction of these plants will continue throughout 2008 and 2009.

In 2008, SENER embarked on a joint venture with MASDAR to develop its own CSE projects. MASDAR is a renewable energies development company launched by the investment company owned by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, MUBADALA Development Company. With this objective in mind, the conglomerate has created Torresol Energy, a company which employs SENER's latest technological innovations in both its new central tower plants with heliostats and molten salt storage technology as well as in it’s CCP technology plants.

SENER hopes to apply its CSE solutions throughout the world in both Torresol Energy projects as well as in projects for other customers.