To be pioneers in sustainable development means establishing innovation as a strategic priority.  For this reason ACCIONA considers research, development and investigation as a pillar of our activities which is imperative to position us at the forefront of the sustainable technologies.

Our goal is to become technological leaders in our sectors by committing to multiply investment tenfold between 2005 and 2010.  In 2007 investments in R & D totalled 39 million euros,  72.5% more than the  previous financial year, invested in more than 65 projects, according to the main national and European research programmes.

2007 has been an important milestone for ACCIONA, as AENOR has certified the Management System of R & D in accordance with the regulation UNE 166.002: 2006. This ensures that the innovation activity of ACCIONA conforms to excellence and quality parameters, which results in increased efficiency and profitability, benefiting not just the company but society as well. The final outcome is original solutions to make sustainable development a reality.

Technology Centres with more than 290 qualified professionals

We have launched three cutting-edge Technology Centres with more than 290 professionals in Madrid, Pamplona and Barcelona. They develop innovative technologies in different areas: Nanotechnologies and new sustainable construction materials re-use of construction materials, information and communication technology (ICTs), wind energy production technologies, solar photovoltaic and thermoelectric energies, hydrogen production and sustainable water treatment and desalination.

At the forefront of R&D on a National and European level

ACCIONA is a leader nationally through its participation in CENIT projects, under the Ingenio 2010 programme. It has also achieved important goals in Europe: it is member of the High Level Group of the European Construction Technology Platform; it leads the European Joint Technology Initiative of energy efficient construction; it participates actively in the European Technology Platform of Hydrogen; and is a member of the International Desalination Association.

Prestigious awards

ACCIONA has been awarded with the 'Academia Dilecta 2006' in recognition of its commitment to scientific and technological R&D. It has also been awarded with the Innovation in Construction Prize 2005, for the world's longest carbon-fibre reinforced polymer bridge and with the European Environment Award for biodiesel production.

• Madrid Technology Centre

  

  The Technology Centre of Madrid encompasses the R & D activity related to construction, environment and transport.

  See Madrid Technology Centre

• Pamplona Technology Centre

  

  The core of ACCIONA’s activities regarding R&D in renewable energies takes place at the Pamplona Centre of Technology (Navarra).

  See Pamplona Technology Centre

• Barcelona Technology Centre

  

  The Barcelona Centre of Technology is responsible for ACCIONA’s R&D activities with respect to water technologies. The main laboratories are in Prat de Llobregat and there is a pilot plant in Tordera (Barcelona).

  See Barcelona Technology Centre