The Institut de Recerca en Energia de Catalunya (IREC) has awarded the construction contracts for the future PRIMA platform in Gurb, Osona. The facility will provide a real-world environment for testing, validating and demonstrating energy technologies. The contract award marks a new milestone in the development of this strategic initiative for Catalonia’s energy transition.

The works are divided into two lots. The first, covering the civil works for the building and its outdoor areas, has been awarded to Rubau Tarrés, SAU. The second, covering the technical installations, has been awarded to Constructora Sanjosé, SA. The total contract value is €6.7 million, excluding VAT.

Located in the La Ronda industrial estate in Gurb, PRIMA will support companies, technology centres, universities, start-ups and research groups seeking to develop and test new energy solutions before bringing them to market. The platform will facilitate knowledge transfer and help accelerate the adoption of new technologies by industry.

PRIMA will include six pilot plants covering key areas such as hydrogen, renewable energy integration, energy storage, energy-efficient building renovation, sustainable mobility and waste-to-energy technologies.

Promoted by the Government of Catalonia and supported by the Consell Comarcal d’Osona, the Ajuntament de Vic, the Ajuntament de Gurb and the Universitat de Vic – Universitat Central de Catalunya (UVic-UCC), PRIMA is being developed by IREC to strengthen research, innovation and technology transfer in the energy sector. The project has been recognised under the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) and has secured €12.8 million in funding through the Catalonia ERDF 2021–2027 Programme.