Dr. Erika Ntavou and Dr. Elias Papanicolaou, representing the EXCELLEND project and the Solar & Other Energy Systems Laboratory (SESL) of NCSR Demokritos, respectively, participated in the 2nd TwinSolarSurf Summer School on “Concentrating Solar Thermal (CST) Systems for Materials and Thermochemical Processes Applications,” held at the University of West Attica from 14 to 17 July 2026.

Dr. Papanicolaou, Director of Research at SESL, presented the Concentrating Solar Energy (CSE) research facilities at NCSR Demokritos in Athens, showcasing the laboratory’s capabilities and ongoing research in advanced solar thermal technologies. Dr. Ntavou, senior researcher, introduced participants to Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) technologies and provided an overview of high-temperature heat pumps, highlighting their potential to improve industrial energy efficiency and contribute to sustainable thermal energy systems.

The Summer School brought together researchers and students to explore the latest developments in Concentrating Solar Thermal (CST) systems for materials processing and thermochemical applications. The participation of EXCELLEND fostered knowledge exchange and reinforced collaboration among leading European research institutions working to advance renewable energy technologies.

The event was hosted by the Laboratory of Surface Engineering in collaboration with DLR (German Aerospace Center) and CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas).

Access the full presentation programme here: https://twinsolarsurf.uniwa.gr/2026/06/11/2nd-summer-school-concentrating-solar-thermal-cst-systems-for-materials-and-thermochemical-processes-applications/