In the field of renewable energy, the European consortium CACTUS (Collaborative Action for the Construction and Upgrading of Terrestrial Solar) is a key initiative that joins international forces to promote research and development in the field of photovoltaic solar energy, where collaboration and knowledge sharing are essential to move towards a more sustainable future.
CACTUS is a European consortium funded by the European Commission through the European Research Executive Agency (REA). This ambitious initiative was launched in December 2023, with the aim of revolutionizing solar and photovoltaic technologies by enhancing collaboration between the European Union (EU) and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) regions.
One of the most outstanding features of CACTUS is its collaborative approach that transcends European borders. Institutions from Chile and Colombia, including the National University of Colombia (UNAL), are part of this initiative. Their participation not only strengthens academic and research ties between Europe and Latin America, but also allows access to advanced resources and knowledge in the field of solar energy.
The CACTUS project aims to develop a bi-regional and sustainable ecosystem of complementary research infrastructures (RI), strengthening knowledge and collaboration between the EU and LAC regions. Among its objectives are the enhancement of research infrastructures, the optimization of the portfolio of services, the establishment of common data protocols, the advancement of techno-economic and sustainable assessment, the promotion of bi-regional cooperation and the facilitation of scientific collaboration.
The CACTUS consortium is composed of 9 key partners from 4 EU member states (France, Belgium, Italy and Spain) and 2 Latin American countries (Chile and Colombia). Each brings its expertise and resources in the field of solar energy:
- Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA): Leader in energy research in France.
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF): Advanced research center in Belgium.
- ILL – Neutrons for society: Leading scientific research institution in France.
- EURAC: Renewable energy research institute in Italy.
- TECNALIA: Research and technological development center in Spain.Becquerel Institute: Photovoltaic research institution in Belgium.
- European Solar Research Infrastructure For Concentrated Solar Power (EU SOLARIS): European solar research initiative.
- ATAMOSTEC: Chilean initiative for the development of solar technologies.
- Universidad Nacional de Colombia (UNAL): Leader in research and education in Colombia.
The impact of CACTUS is reflected in the technological and scientific advances that emerge from its collaborative projects. The joining of forces between Europe and Latin America not only accelerates the development of photovoltaic technologies, but also contributes to the training of highly skilled professionals in the solar energy sector. With a focus on mitigating and adapting to the challenges of climate change, CACTUS is committed to promoting environmentally friendly solutions.
References
Information obtained from the following list of references. Be sure to visit their websites for more details.
- pv magazine LATAM (2024, February 12). Chilean and Colombian institutions participate in the European CACTUS project on photovoltaic research. Retrieved from https://www.pv-magazine-latam.com/2024/02/12/instituciones-de-chile-y-colombia-participan-del-proyecto-europeo-cactus-sobre-investigaciones-fotovoltaicas/
- Portal Minero (2024, February 12). European Union partners with Atamostec to develop solar photovoltaic energy. Retrieved from https://www.portalminero.com/wp/union-europa-se-asocia-con-atamostec-para-desarrollar-energia-solar-fotovoltaica/
- Universidad Nacional de Colombia (2024, January 30). CACTUS Project: EU – Press Release. Retrieved from https://editorial.unal.edu.co/investigación/apoyo-a-la-investigación/boletín-siun/663/proyecto-cactus-eu-comunicado-de-prensa-30-ene-2024
