CMM contributes to create a new Energy Center in the country

Duringrecent decades the energy scenario has raised various challenges worldwide.Energy policies of many countries have had to incorporate into theirstrategies, the diversification of the matrix with new generation sources,especially non-conventional renewable energies. In this context, the swings inenergy markets have not been waiting. These situations pose challenges for the authorities,the actors of the system and the researchers in the field.

Recognizingthe importance of this issue, the School of Physical and MathematicalSciences, launched the Center for Energy-FCFM, which will contribute to theenergy field, developing and introducing new technological solutions, quality,relevant for national development and internationally competitive. “Inthis center, we are going to harness the potential of FCFM in research,innovation and development, into productive partnerships with industry andacademic strategic collaboration,” said Rodrigo Palma Behnke, Director ofthe Center for Energy.

Beside thestrategic partnership with industry and academia, the Center convenes about 60researchers from the University of Chile to develop research in energy issues.It also involved undergraduate students, master and doctorate students.

“Inits initial phase, the development areas of the Center for Energy-FCFM belinked to: Smart Network Systems in the form of virtual generators anddistributed generation units (micro-hydraulic, solar, geothermal,low-temperature); technology solutions associated to the development ofelectric vehicles, and tools to support decisions making for the operation,planning, monitoring and control of power systems, “said Rodrigo Palma.

Thelaunching ceremony, held on Tuesday, June 2, at the Beauchef Campus, wasattended by important people related to energy issues, representatives fromIBM, USA, university authorities and the Minister of Energy, Marcelo Tokman.

In hisspeech the Secretary of State indicated that what happened in Chile and theworld in recent years have highlighted the need for long-term policies in thesector. The creation of the Ministry of Energy, he said, has established theconditions for which the country has the technical capabilities and policies toaddress energy challenges. “We hope the Energy Center of the School ofPhysical and Mathematical Sciences at University of Chile to become a relevantactor on the new paradigms and promote technological innovation, furthermorewith potential of the multidisciplinary outlook of renowned  professors and researchers from all fields of science, “said the authority,adding that” I can attest to the valuable contribution of the Universityof Chile in various fields of energy policies and I have no doubt that this newcontribution will continue to grow, “he concluded.