RMIT and CIEMAT advance collaboration on the future of renewable energy infrastructure

RMIT and CIEMAT advance collaboration on the future of renewable energy infrastructure

As Spain and Australia accelerate their transition to net-zero economies, researchers, industry leaders and government representatives gathered in Madrid to explore how stronger international collaboration can help solve the next generation of clean energy challenges.

Representatives from RMIT, Spain's national energy and environmental research centre, CIEMAT, the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), energy consultancy EDIPAE and Australian technology company KAI-2 met to explore opportunities to connect electricity, heat and renewable fuels into more resilient and efficient energy systems.

The discussions reflected the growing similarities between Spain and Australia. 

RMIT Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation and Vice-President, Distinguished Professor Calum Drummond, along with RMIT Professor Xavier Mulet, joined CIEMAT Director General Yolanda Benito and Energy Department Director Emilio Gómez for a workshop, which also focused on opportunities to translate research into real-world solutions.

Speaking after the event, Professor Drummond said: "Spain and Australia have both achieved remarkable growth in renewable energy, but the next phase of the transition presents a different challenge. As ageing solar and wind assets reach the end of their operational life, we have an opportunity to rethink, repower and modernise our energy systems. 

“By working together, we can develop the technologies, expertise and highly skilled workforce needed to unlock the full value of these assets for decades to come.”

RMIT and Ciemat working session in MadridCIEMAT Director General Yolanda Benito welcomed Distinguished Professor Calum Drummond and the RMIT University delegation

Austrade Director of Investments Elena Laburu outlined pathways for deeper Spain–Australia collaboration in research, innovation and investment, while KAI-2 Commercial Director Vladimir Finn demonstrated digital tools that help energy projects progress from early-stage concepts to market-ready solutions.

Participants also explored emerging international funding opportunities and future pathways for joint projects. Attention focused on Australia's anticipated participation in Pillar II of Horizon Europe from January 2027, which is expected to open new avenues for Australian institutions to collaborate with European partners.

The workshop reinforced Spain's importance as a partner with RMIT Europe and led to an agreement to work together on future collaborations between Europe and Australia in clean energy, advanced technologies and sustainable industry.

The visit was facilitated by RMIT Europe, RMIT University's innovation and learning hub in Barcelona, which works to connects industry, government and research organisations across Europe through a multidisciplinary team of more than 40 specialists.

22 July 2026

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22 July 2026

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RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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