CIEMAT Publications

Abstract

Climate change, energy efficiency, sustainability, and energy poverty are global challenges that require a coordinated response. In Ibero-America, these issues have led to the creation of research and scientific collaboration networks. A relevant example is the Ibero-American Science and Technology for Development Program (CYTED), created in 1984, which aims to contribute to the region's development through scientific and technological cooperation. CYTED promotes innovation in key areas such as energy, health, the environment, and agri-food. Over the years, CYTED has supported the creation of more than 250 thematic research networks, fostering collaboration among over 8,300 research groups and 27,400 scientists and technologists. Additionally, it has organized more than 600 innovation projects with companies, benefiting over 90,000 people through courses and workshops, strengthening the region’s scientific and technological capacity. Within this context, the Ibero-American Network on Energy Poverty and Environmental Well-being (RIPEBA) emerges, supported by CYTED, with the goal of addressing energy poverty and improving environmental well-being. This network promotes the use of clean and safe energy, especially in a post-pandemic scenario, to improve energy efficiency and reduce the energy vulnerability of the most disadvantaged communities. RIPEBA is made up of more than 100 researchers from 23 Ibero-American countries, including Argentina, Colombia, Cuba, Chile, Mexico, and Spain. Coordinated by Dr. Alexis Pérez-Fargallo from the University of San Sebastián in Chile, the network has worked on topics such as sustainable design and construction, energy poverty characterization, and the use of renewable energy. The results of RIPEBA include scientific publications, book chapters, seminars, and digital platforms to analyze energy poverty, as well as facilitating the exchange of experiences and the implementation of technological solutions across the region.