IBERDROla Chairs

The IBERDROLA endowed chairs are a vehicle for realising the Company's commitment to investment in R&D and, particularly, its involvement in promoting research, training and collaboration with the world of science and university, especially in those regions where it operates.

The objectives sought with the creation of the various chairs include:

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To promote University-Business technology transfer.

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To establish a framework for collaboration in the launch of R&D projects and training initiatives in common areas of interest.

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To promote specialised training in fields of greater interest to IBERDROLA.

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Social commitment.

4.2.2.1 IBERDROla Chair at the university of Salamanca

This Chair emerged in 2008 as an action framework that formalises the collaboration between both organisations and promotes education, research and innovation in fields of knowledge of special interest to both parties.

The main objective of this Chair is to promote University-Business technology transfer and become a framework for collaboration in the launch of R&D projects and training initiatives in common areas of interest. The Chair also seeks to promote specialised training in fields of knowledge which are of greater interest to IBERDROLA, and to carry out other social and cultural activities.

In 2011-2013, the research activities focused on three main areas:

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Projects in the Environment and Renewable Energy area:

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EMBECO: ecological study of the Villalcampo and Castro dams.

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ZEBRA MUSSEL: monitoring and control of the zebra mussel in electric power

production plants.

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ULTRASOUND: study to analyse the potential of ultrasound to keep birds from

nesting on overhead power lines.

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WILD FAUNA/LADDER SNAKE: study of incidents caused in the electricity

distribution network by wild animals (e.g., ladder snake).

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DEPOLIGEN: energy efficiency in "zero-emission" buildings through the

improvement of energy demand, polygeneration and comprehensive energy management.

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CASTEJÓN BIODIVERSITY: characterisation of the Ebro river's biodiversity as

it flows through the facilities of the Castejón Combined Cycle Power Plant in Navarre, including inventorying the main species and conducting a census of biotic populations (fauna and flora) present on the banks of the Ebro river around the Castejón Plant.

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SIGMA: Atmospheric separation through electric / photonic ionisation in magnetic

fields, for finding new ways of CO₂ abatement.

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Study of Furan oils by Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy at electrical facilities.

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Study of Biodiversity at the Arribes del Duero Park.

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Projects in the Grid Engineering area:

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ARENAL: forecasting of underground power line behaviour.

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3D Substation Design Automation: substation design automation based on laser

data and digital images.

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TOMADATOS: Electric substation capture and 3D interpretation systems for

automating their design.

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Projects in other ACTIVITIES:

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Technology Monitoring: project for the carrying out of technological monitoring

and competitive intelligence activities.

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Document management of the IBERDROLA historical archive: a study

for analysing the various options available for using new technologies in the management of the IBERDROLA historical archive.

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Study of alternatives for enhancing document management at the Cofrentes Nuclear Power Plant.

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Drawing up Technology Maps for establishing a stable observatory in the

Electricity Sector.

The following training and sponsorship activities have also been carried out:

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CAD design course for substations in Ávila. Several students were also given a

scholarship with IBERDROLA.

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Sponsorship of the biodiversity course organised by the School of Biology:

“Biodiversity in Castile and León: inventory, management and conservation”. The exhibition associated with the course was on display in the various provinces of Castile and León during 2011 (natural park lodges).

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IBERDROLA Chair's support for the EMPIRIKA Trade Fair.

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Official presentation ceremony of the IBERDROLA Chair

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IBERDROLA Chair support for the S3F Festival organised by FEDEA

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Organisation by the IBERDROLA Chair of the Future Energy and Energy Efficiency Workshops.

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Support for the 2012 SEFI Conference of the European Society for Engineering

Education

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IBERDROLA Chair support for the 4th Industrial Microbiology and

Biotechnology Conference (CMIBM’12). The IBERDROLA Chair sponsors a session

devoted to bioenergy, with particular attention given to biofuels from microalgae and cyanobacteria and the production of bioethanol.

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Training and Research Grants:

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Training: USAL students as IBERDROLA trainees.

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Research: USAL researchers in areas of interest to IBERDROLA.

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Formal backing by IBERDROLA (through the Chair) of USAL's candidacy to the CEI (International Excellence Campus) programme. Through its Chair, IBERDROLA is

involved in the USAL's CEI project in the following areas:

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Electric mobility. Installation of 5 charging stations in 2012.

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Environmental education. Sponsorship of several courses on the Environment organised by the Green Office.

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Energy saving and efficiency: implementation of a cogeneration system in a building. The IBERDROLA Chair Academic Excellence Awards were launched in 2011 and reward final-year projects, postgraduate studies and doctoral theses.

For more information, visit http://catedraiberdrola.usal.es/

4.2.2.2 IBERDROla Classroom at the universidad Pontificia de Salamanca

In late 2008, both entities signed a partnership agreement that envisaged the creation of an IBERDROLA Classroom at the Pontificia University in Salamanca to promote

technology projects and training activities in areas of knowledge of special interest to both organisations. This created a University-IBERDROLA link that provides the alliance with a strategic nature in the field of innovating knowledge creation and transfer, beyond the strictly economic area.

The UPSA and IBERDROLA have since worked together to implement various initiatives related to information systems and technologies, knowledge management and corporate social responsibility.

The creation of the IBERDROLA Classroom together with the UPSA is a clear example of the Company's commitment to R&D as a strategic central point in its activity and of its involvement and collaboration with the world of science and university, especially in those regions where it operates.

In document Innovation Report REPORT (Page 39-42)