We’re excited to share that the ASTEP project has wrapped up its Month 54 General Meeting, which took place from October 28-30, 2024, at the National University of Distance Education (UNED) in Madrid, Spain. This gathering brought together our dedicated project partners to reflect on our progress, finalise technical developments, and gear up for the next phase as we approach the finish line.
The meeting started with in-depth discussions about the project’s technical progress. We ensured everyone was on the same page regarding our objectives and how our research activities aligned with our goals. Participants also shared updates on our dissemination efforts, discussing everything from the Solar Helix to website performance, data management, and our social media strategy.
The second and third days were packed with fascinating visits to TecnoGetafe, where participants toured the SunDials. There, they explored the operation and decommissioning of the ASTEP solar thermal system. This hands-on experience offered valuable insights into how the system works and important lessons for future applications. The 24th Scientific & Technical Committee (STC) convened to discuss strategic guidance on the project’s scientific and technical aspects, making necessary adjustments to our work plan based on what we’ve learned and any challenges we’ve faced.
The sessions concluded with the 3rd internal workshop on exploitation and a workshop on the ASTEP Dashboard, which will visualise data from the various sensors at the 2 case study sites. We’re also thrilled to announce that testing at our 2 case study sites already shows promising results! This is a significant step in our mission to provide efficient solar thermal systems for industrial use. Throughout the meeting, participants engaged in meaningful conversations about our milestones, sharing valuable insights to help shape the development of ASTEP’s solar thermal systems.
Overall, the M54 General Meeting marked a pivotal moment for the ASTEP project as we shifted our focus from research and development to the final preparations for commissioning the ASTEP system. The collaborative spirit fostered during the discussions and workshops ensured we were all aligned on our last milestones and upcoming deliverables. As we move closer to completing ASTEP, the outcomes of this meeting will guide our future efforts, helping us continue to meet industry needs while contributing to the European Union’s sustainability goals.
For more information about the ASTEP project, please visit our project website.
