In 2025, the energy transition, decarbonisation and digitalisation have brought a key challenge into focus: it is not only about identifying promising technologies, but about turning them into robust, scalable solutions that can be integrated and deliver returns both for clients and for Magtel. 

With this premise in mind, the R&D&I Division acts as a bridge between applied research and industrial execution. The aim is to generate value for external clients and for the group’s various divisions, getting ahead through pilot projects and reducing uncertainty prior to deployment. The activity carried out in 2025 has followed this approach: moving from concept to field‑proven evidence, increasing the maturity of several technologies and leaving capabilities ready for exploitation.

Energy: hydrogen, advanced control and power blocks

The energy area has strengthened strategic lines such as renewable hydrogen and the dispatchability of renewable resources through automation and advanced control. Within the AD‑GRHID project, the final milestones linked to hybrid AC/DC microgrids, hydrogen storage and energy management systems have been completed, aimed at improving the flexibility of the distribution grid. In parallel, HYIELD has progressed in the engineering and integration of a demonstrator plant addressing the conversion of organic waste into hydrogen, combining steam gasification, synthesis gas purification and digital process‑monitoring tools.

Another significant focus is the development of power blocks capable of converting heat into electricity with high efficiency and lower cost, applicable to both solar heat and stored or industrial waste heat. In 2025, SolarSCO₂ol has progressed in the integration of the pilot plant, with advances in civil works, critical procurement and preparations for commissioning, consolidating capabilities in advanced cycles (such as sCO₂) and thermal energy storage.

Digitalisation: data and predictive maintenance

Digitalisation has become firmly established as a cross‑cutting lever. Sunrise PV has been completed with analytics tools and hybrid algorithms (physics‑based models and machine learning) for predictive maintenance of photovoltaic plants. The focus has been on improving the early detection of degradation and faults, increasing availability and reducing operation and maintenance costs, with a clear orientation towards technology transfer.

Likewise, in 2025 the OMEGA‑X project (energy data space) was completed, reflecting the direction in which the sector is heading: federated infrastructures, data and services markets, and an explicit focus on data privacy, security and sovereignty, aligned with European standards and GAIA‑X. For renewable energy operators, this translates into better algorithms, faster decision‑making and more efficient O&M.

Circular economy, water and agriculture

The 2025 portfolio also consolidates projects with a direct impact on sustainability and regional development. FIC‑FIGHTERS is making progress in the valorisation of industrial waste such as phosphogypsum to obtain high‑value secondary raw materials, incorporating process scale‑up, environmental and economic assessment, and design for future exploitation. In parallel, Magboat has completed the development of an unmanned floating vehicle and its IoT platform, aimed at monitoring reservoir ecosystems and supporting preventive and predictive maintenance of floating photovoltaic installations. Its technological validation strengthens Magtel’s capabilities in remote inspection and efficient management of water resources.

A special mention goes to KODA‑IPEC, which in 2025 completed its experimental campaign and brought to a close the execution of a four‑year project. The initiative integrates field sensing, remote sensing and advanced analytics to support decision‑making in irrigation and fertigation for woody crops, with results that have already been translated into technical and scientific communications within the consortium.

How value is consolidated: coordination, patents and European scale

Beyond the projects themselves, 2025 confirms a way of working: integrating and coordinating pioneering pilot projects by connecting engineering, operations, ICT and environmental expertise. And when required by the organisation, the team acts as a technological advisor to guide design, investment and roadmap decisions. Along this path, the protection of knowledge through patents and the construction of value chains with industrial partners, universities and technology centres are essential elements to ensure that innovation can be exploited and generates a competitive advantage.

Finally, regional, national and European presence is a key differentiating factor. Participating in and leading competitive programmes (CDTI, CTA, Horizon Europe, Clean Hydrogen) brings rigor, visibility and access to networks of excellence. This combination makes it possible to close 2025 with a balanced portfolio and with technologies closer to becoming commercial solutions serving Magtel and its clients.