The Solar Energy Research Center (SERC Chile) participated in the Solar World Congress 2025 with studies on solar thermal and concentrated solar power technologies, highlighting the presence of researchers from partner universities in the international congress’s official scientific program.
The Solar World Congress 2025 brought together specialists from more than 40 countries in Fortaleza, Brazil, including Chilean academics who participated in the technical program with research selected by the scientific committee. The studies presented address innovations in Fresnel-type solar collectors and the application of solar heat in industrial processes such as galvanization, supported by advanced thermal storage systems. This research was conducted at the University of Antofagasta and the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile with the participation of researchers Diego Pulido and José Miguel Cardemil, both of whom are active in the country’s solar research community.
“The Solar World Congress shows us that the research being conducted in Chile—whether at the university or at SERC Chile—is of a very high standard, on par with that of all international researchers. The topics and the depth of our work in Chile are of very high quality, comparable to what is being done in Europe and the Americas. Our research is more sophisticated, more scientific, and technologically advanced. While some countries in the region are still testing basic collectors or models, in Chile we are already on a different scale,” said Professor Diego Pulido.
The publications cover advances in the design and operation of next-generation solar collectors and the implementation of packed-bed thermal storage systems to optimize heat-intensive industrial processes. Their inclusion in the conference’s official program reflects the contribution that Chilean research is making to the development of high-efficiency solar solutions for industry.
Representing SERC Chile at SWC2025
This national presence was also reflected in the role of SERC Chile’s principal investigator, José Miguel Cardemil, who was invited to chair one of the oral sessions dedicated to hybrid photovoltaic-thermal systems—a recognition that attests to his career and the standing of Chilean research within the international community. Representing the University of Santa María was researcher Valeria del Campo; from the University of Chile, Juana Felipe; and from the University of Antofagasta, Abdiel Mallco.
The Solar World Congress 2025 featured presentations on advanced photovoltaics, solar thermal energy, energy storage, grid integration, and new applications for industry. For SERC Chile, this participation reaffirms its commitment to advancing cutting-edge research and promoting Chilean scientific development in the global conversation on the energy transition.
