The Renewable Energy Research Institute (IIER) of the University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM) has remained at the forefront of research and innovation in the field of renewable energy and sustainability for the past 18 years, with a particularly strong impact in the Castilla-La Mancha region.

This marks a significant step forward for the IIER, as highlighted by its director, Miguel Castro García: “We are pleased to welcome a new section that brings key capabilities to address the emerging challenges of the energy transition and sustainability.”

This morning, the incorporation of the UCLM Research Group on Energy and Environmental Economics (GEAR) was formalized at the IIER headquarters. GEAR is an internationally recognized leader in research, knowledge transfer, and innovation in the field of applied economic modeling for analyzing the sustainability of economic activities and various energy sources.

Among other applications, these economic models have been used to study photovoltaic parks, assess the carbon footprint of industries such as agri-food and tourism, and provide guidance for business plans that incorporate energy transition and sustainability goals.

GEAR’s achievements are reflected in the publication of high-impact scientific articles, leadership and collaboration in European, national, and regional projects, active participation in contracts and agreements with companies, the creation of a university-based technology spin-off, and the training of highly skilled human capital for innovation.

With this addition, the IIER strengthens its capabilities by expanding its range of services to industry, contributing to the education of undergraduate and master’s students at UCLM to prepare qualified professionals in cutting-edge sustainable technologies, and reaffirming its commitment to society by disseminating advances in energy and environmental matters.

As a result, the IIER now incorporates an economic analysis and modeling dimension in the field of sustainability, complementing its ongoing work in areas such as grid integration of wind and solar energy, biomass as fuel, thermal storage development and management, green hydrogen production via fuel cells, additive manufacturing technologies for solid-state lithium-ion batteries, and environmental impact analysis of energy sources in the agroforestry sector.

UCLM Communications Office
Albacete, July 15, 2025