Centre for Renewable Energy Sources and Savings

The Centre for Renewable Energy Sources and Saving (CRES) is the Greek national Centre for Renewable Energy Sources (RES), Rational Use of Energy (RUE) and Energy Saving (ES). CRES was founded in September 1987 and has been appointed as the national co-ordination centre in its areas of activity. It is a public entity, supervised by the Ministry of Environment and Energy and has financial and administrative independence. Its main goal is the promotion of RES/RUE/ES applications at a national and international level, as well as the support of related activities taking into consideration the principles of sustainable development. Since 1992, CRES is located on its wholly owned premises in Pikermi Attica, where in addition to over 2000 m2 of main office space; it has experimental outdoor installations, specialised laboratories for energy technologies, a mechanical shop, conference rooms, a library and also maintains a strong computing infrastructure. In 2008, CRES installed the Park of ENergy Awareness (PENA) in Lavrio, a new demonstration site where everyone has the opportunity to observe real small scale RES plants in operation, while the young visitors can learn about the environmental friendly technologies through innovative educational tools. In line with its mission, CRES is the official Greek government consultant on matters of RES/RUE/ES national policy, strategy and planning, carries out applied research and develops technologies which are both technically/economically viable and environment-friendly, Organises, supervises and carries out demonstration and pilot projects, to promote the above technologies, Implements commercial RES/RUE/ES applications in relevant energy projects of the private sector, the local authorities, professional associations, Provides technical services and advice, in the form of specialised know- how and information, to third parties, Disseminates technologies in its areas of expertise and provides reliable information and support to interested organisations and investors, Organises technical and scientific seminars, educational programmes. Over the years, CRES has participated in more than 600 European, national and international projects.

SOLAR THERMAL DEPARTMENT The Solar Thermal Department of CRES is highly experienced in solar thermal technologies, including Solar Cooling Systems and Concentrating systems for electricity production, industrial applications, solar cooling and desalination. The Department is engaged in designing, developing and monitoring of innovative solar thermal systems. It has participated in a large number of European, national and international projects, as a coordinator or partner. Main expertise areas are: • Solar thermal systems

• Large scale solar thermal systems for: Hot water, heating, air conditioning/cooling
• Concentrated solar thermal systems for: Industrial purposes, Steam production, Electricity generation, Desalination
• Services: Solar potential analysis, Conceptual design, Pre-design/design studies for commercial application and for pilot and demonstration plants, Modelling and Dynamic simulations, Commissioning, Monitoring and Performance evaluation, Dissemination actions • Solar thermal collectors
• Types: Flat plate, Vacuum Tube, Concentrating solar collectors
• Services: Energy modelling, Thermo-hydraulic analysis, Optics modelling, raytracing, Simulation