Public-private collaboration, what is its added value for Genesal Energy?

Collaboration between public and private entities (public-private collaboration) in the field of research, development and innovation (R&D&I) has proven to be a driving force for technological and economic progress. This synergy allows the combination of resources, knowledge and capabilities from different sectors, generating benefits that transcend both parties and have a positive impact on society as a whole.

Boosting R&D&I and Competitiveness

Private companies, thanks to their focus on competitiveness and their vision of the market, provide a practical and results-oriented perspective. On the other hand, public entities, such as technology centres, with their vast knowledge and experience in advanced research, provide a solid base of scientific and technical knowledge. This combination enables the leap from ideas to marketable tech products.

Moreover, this collaboration fosters the competitiveness of private companies. By improving products and processes, companies can differentiate themselves in the market and achieve a competitive advantage. Companies that develop such collaborative frameworks not only benefit individually, but the economic ecosystem as a whole is strengthened.

Resource Optimisation and Cost Reduction

Both research and development are costly and risky processes, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. Collaboration with public technology centres makes it possible to share these risks and costs. Public institutions often have advanced research infrastructures and equipment that can be used by private companies, thus reducing the need to invest in expensive in-house equipment and laboratories.

In addition, this collaboration facilitates access to public funding and grants for R&D&I projects, which significantly reduces the financial burden for companies. This is especially beneficial in emerging sectors or in high-risk projects where profitability is not guaranteed in the short term.

Knowledge Transfer and Training

Public-private collaboration in R&D&I also promotes the transfer of knowledge and skills between academia and industry. Private companies can benefit from the education and training provided by technology centres, thus improving the skills of their staff and fostering a culture of continuous innovation.

Researchers and technicians in public centres can also gain valuable practical experience by working on market-oriented projects, enriching their perspective and increasing their ability to develop real-world solutions. This feedback is essential to maintain the relevance and quality of public research.

Success stories: the collaboration between Genesal Energy and AIMEN

An example of the benefits of public-private collaboration in R&D&I is the alliance we have established at Genesal Energy with the AIMEN Technology Centre (Northwest Metallurgical Research Association), to develop projects focused on the energy transition.

Thanks to this collaboration, Genesal Energy has been able to take advantage of AIMEN’s research and development capabilities, including its expertise in advanced materials, manufacturing processes and automation technologies. This alliance has resulted in the materialisation of two R&D&I projects focused on renewable gases:

• H2GEN, which seeks to develop a new generation of generator sets capable of operating with hydrogen in order to be more environmentally friendly.
• ENEDAR, which aims to improve the energy efficiency and sustainability of wastewater treatment plants through the recovery of WWTP (Wastewater Treatment Plant) sludge. Three other private companies and the University of Valladolid are also collaborating in this project.

In the following video Álvaro García Martínez, Energy & Large Industry Sales Manager at AIMEN, gives us his vision of the added value of this type of project.