CDTI Chief Visits TR Tech Hub for Green Innovations

The Strategic Role of Técnicas Reunidas in Advancing Sustainable Technologies
The global push toward sustainable development has placed unprecedented emphasis on innovative technologies capable of addressing climate change, energy transition, and resource scarcity. Against this backdrop, the recent visit by the General Director of Spain’s Centre for Technological Development and Innovation (CDTI) to the Técnicas Reunidas Technology Centre underscores a pivotal collaboration aimed at accelerating breakthroughs in critical sectors. As a leader in engineering and R&D, Técnicas Reunidas is spearheading projects in rare earth extraction, green hydrogen production, and CO2 capture—technologies vital for decarbonizing industries and securing Europe’s energy independence. This article explores how these initiatives align with Spain’s environmental goals and their potential to reshape global sustainability efforts.

Rare Earths: Securing the Building Blocks of Clean Energy

Rare earth elements (REEs) are the unsung heroes of modern technology, powering everything from wind turbines to electric vehicle batteries. Yet, their supply chain remains dominated by a handful of countries, creating geopolitical and economic vulnerabilities. Técnicas Reunidas is tackling this challenge head-on by developing advanced extraction and recovery methods to bolster European self-sufficiency.
The company’s research focuses on optimizing processes like solvent extraction and ion exchange, which minimize environmental damage compared to traditional mining. For instance, their work on recycling REEs from electronic waste not only reduces reliance on primary mining but also aligns with circular economy principles. By partnering with CDTI, Técnicas Reunidas aims to scale these technologies, ensuring Spain—and the EU—can compete in the high-stakes race for critical raw materials.

Green Hydrogen: Fueling the Future Without Fossil Fuels

Green hydrogen, produced via renewable-powered electrolysis, has emerged as a linchpin for decarbonizing heavy industries and transportation. Técnicas Reunidas is at the forefront of this revolution, with projects like *H2togreenceramics* demonstrating hydrogen’s potential to replace natural gas in ceramic manufacturing, a sector responsible for 3% of Spain’s CO2 emissions.
The company’s engineering prowess is further showcased in its involvement with one of Europe’s largest green methanol plants, where hydrogen acts as a feedstock. Such projects are critical for meeting the EU’s Hydrogen Roadmap targets, which envision 40 GW of electrolyzer capacity by 2030. However, challenges persist, including high production costs and infrastructure gaps. Técnicas Reunidas’ innovations in electrolyzer efficiency and hybrid energy systems could lower these barriers, making green hydrogen economically viable for sectors like shipping and steel production.

CO2 Capture: Turning Emissions into Opportunities

While renewable energy adoption grows, industries like cement and steel remain difficult to decarbonize due to process emissions. Here, Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies offer a lifeline. Técnicas Reunidas is pioneering post-combustion capture systems that isolate CO2 from flue gases, enabling its storage or reuse in products like synthetic fuels.
One breakthrough involves amine-based solvents that selectively bind CO2 at lower energy costs—a game-changer for energy-intensive plants. The company is also exploring bio-CCS, where biomass power generation pairs with capture to achieve *negative* emissions. These efforts dovetail with Spain’s Long-Term Decarbonization Strategy, which targets a 90% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2050.

Collaboration as a Catalyst for Global Impact

The CDTI’s visit highlights how public-private partnerships can amplify technological progress. By funding high-risk R&D and facilitating knowledge exchange, agencies like CDTI help bridge the gap between lab-scale innovations and industrial deployment. Técnicas Reunidas’ Technology Centre, staffed by 70+ experts, exemplifies this synergy, serving as a hub for cross-sectoral solutions.
Beyond Spain, the company’s work has ripple effects. Rare earth recovery could stabilize global supply chains, green hydrogen may empower energy-poor regions, and CCS technologies could be licensed worldwide. As climate deadlines loom, such scalable solutions are no longer optional—they’re imperative.

Conclusion

Técnicas Reunidas’ research portfolio—spanning rare earths, green hydrogen, and CO2 capture—positions it as a linchpin in the sustainable transition. These technologies address not only Spain’s industrial needs but also global gaps in energy security and emissions reduction. The collaboration with CDTI underscores the importance of institutional support in accelerating innovation. As the world grapples with climate urgency, the work of Técnicas Reunidas offers a blueprint for turning scientific ambition into tangible progress, proving that sustainability and industrial competitiveness can go hand in hand.