What is About prima all about?
- Provide strategic context for PRIMA as a large-scale research and innovation infrastructure.
- Present its mission and vision in the energy transition.
- Describe the construction process and implementation phases.
- Explain the governance model and transparency framework.
PRIMA, Platform for Research, Integration and Monitoring of Advanced energy systems, is a large-scale research and innovation infrastructure developed by IREC. Designed to bridge the gap between laboratory research and real-world deployment, PRIMA provides an open, multi-technology environment where Cleantech energy solutions can be developed, tested and validated under real operating conditions. Located in Gurb, the platform brings together six thematic pilot plants, combining laboratory facilities, pilot-scale systems and real-world environments to support R&D, innovation and pre-commercial demonstration across the full energy transition value chain.
PRIMA’s mission
PRIMA’s mission is to accelerate the validation and market deployment of innovative energy technologies and services. By providing access to real-scale infrastructure, shared technical capabilities and an open collaboration environment, PRIMA reduces time-to-market, lowers validation costs and enables evidence-based decision-making for industry, research and policy.
PRIMA’s vision
PRIMA aims to become a European reference infrastructure for the validation of advanced energy systems — a trusted, open and collaborative environment where researchers, companies and public authorities work together to accelerate the clean energy transition
Creation of PRIMA
PRIMA was conceived in response to a clear and pressing need: the absence of large-scale infrastructures capable of reproducing the real operating conditions required to validate clean energy technologies and integrated energy systems. The initiative builds on IREC’s two decades of trajectory in applied research, technology development and demonstration, and has been co-designed in close collaboration with key stakeholders from industry, public administration and the research community. PRIMA represents a strategic commitment to consolidating Catalonia’s position as a leading hub for energy innovation and a key contributor to European research and innovation
ecosystems.
Construction process
After the initial definition of the platform, the implementation of PRIMA follows a phased roadmap, starting with the basic and executive design of the building, outdoor areas and technical infrastructures. The first on-site works include earthworks, site levelling, rockfill retaining walls and perimeter arrangements. These are followed by the main construction phase, covering the new building, the urbanisation of the surrounding outdoor areas and the deployment of the building technical infrastructures. The process then continues with the procurement, installation and integration of the specific equipment and systems associated with each pilot plant, leading to their progressive commissioning and operational start-up.
In parallel, PRIMA has also advanced a wide range of cross-cutting activities that are essential for the platform’s implementation and future operation. These include licensing and administrative procedures, financing and funding management, communication and dissemination actions, the development and maintenance of the stakeholder ecosystem, the definition of the legal and regulatory framework, certification processes, procurement planning, and the preparation of the future service portfolio and initial R&D&I activities. Together, these activities ensure that PRIMA is not only built as a physical infrastructure, but also established as an operational platform.
Transparency
Access PRIMA’s public documents, institutional reports and governance information through IREC’s transparency portal.
Meet our team
PRIMA is coordinated by a dedicated team within IREC, bringing together expertise in research management, engineering and project coordination to oversee the design, construction and operation of the platform and its pilot plants. For further information, contact the PRIMA team at info.prima@irec.cat
Marta Fonrodona
Corporate Development and Technology Transfer Director
Leads the KTT department, driving IREC’s open innovation strategy and overseeing technology transfer, business development and research impact.
Gabriela Espinosa
Business Developer
Identifies funding opportunities and develops collaborative R&D&i projects with industry, public bodies and European partners.
Carles Rubio
Business Developer
Supports the identification and development of collaborative research projects and industrial partnerships at regional and national level.
Shanti Liga
Tech Transfer Officer
Manages IREC’s technology portfolio and supports the protection, exploitation and licensing of research results and intellectual property.
Maria Méndez
Tech Transfer Officer
Supports the valorisation of IREC’s research results and assists in spin-off creation, IP management and technology licensing processes.
Anna Magrasó
Scientific Communication Officer
Shares IREC’s scientific results through specialised channels, helping researchers disseminate their findings with scientific and technical audiences.
Princess Romero
Scientific Communication and Impact Officer
Disseminates research outputs and monitors the scientific impact of IREC’s projects, contributing to impact reporting and knowledge valorisation.
Sergi Gilabert
Research Data Manager
Manages IREC’s research data framework, ensuring compliance with open science mandates and supporting data management plans across all departments.
Contact & visits
Contact the PRIMA team and discover the platform’s facilities and experimental capabilities.
PRIMA has been recognised as a strategic European project under STEP (Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform) and will receive €12.8 million in funding through the FEDER 2021–2027 Operational Programme. The Departament de Territori, Habitatge i Transició Ecològica of the Generalitat de Catalunya is the beneficiary of this funding, while IREC acts as the implementing entity of the operation, with an additional €3 million in co‑financing provided by the Institut Català d’Energia (ICAEN).