Zaragoza — The President of the Government of Aragón, Jorge Azcón, presented today the project for the new headquarters of the Research Center for Energy Resources and Consumption (CIRCE), which will be located at the DAT Alierta. This facility will represent a strategic commitment to reinforce technological innovation, energy efficiency, and sustainability, consolidating all the dispersed resources that currently operate from Alfajarín and various buildings from the Expo.
With an estimated investment of 20 million euros, the new building will allow for the doubling of the number of workers currently operating at CIRCE, about 300 professionals, and will provide a more modern and adequate infrastructure to meet current and future challenges. In total, the constructed area is expected to increase from approximately 5,000 m² to about 11,227 m², on a plot of nearly 65,000 m² that will also allow for future expansions.
An infrastructure designed to enhance innovation
The new complex will bring together state-of-the-art laboratories, offices, demonstration spaces, and collaborative areas aimed at fostering technological transfer, industrial testing, and the validation of innovative solutions for sectors such as automotive, energy, transportation, and agri-food. It is also planned to include a specialized electrical laboratory designed to support the energy transition, as well as the digitalization and efficiency of consumption networks.
CIRCE aims for this unique headquarters to help increase synergies among multidisciplinary teams, reduce resource fragmentation, save operational costs, and generate greater institutional and scientific visibility. It seeks to align research capacity with the needs of the industrial and productive fabric of Aragón.
Impact, horizon, and regional leadership
President Azcón emphasized that this is «the most significant investment in research equipment ever made in Aragón.» For CIRCE, this step solidifies its leadership in innovation projects and increases its influence in European programs such as Horizon Europe, with greater capacity to attract funding, talent, and respond more effectively to technological, energy, and environmental challenges.
Additionally, its location at DAT Alierta represents a commitment to the territorial and technological transformation of Zaragoza, integrating research, companies, infrastructure, and the city. Construction is expected to begin in the coming years, with the aim of establishing this new headquarters as a key node within the Aragonese research and innovation ecosystem.
