Grab your coffee or popcorn and dive into this insightful interview with one of Spain’s leading professionals in energy industry innovation. Meet Patricia Santamaría Prado, head of RPow’s Innovation department since fall 2023.
A native of Seville, Patricia graduated in Chemistry from the University of Seville before heading to Germany to grow both personally and professionally. “An experience I always recommend,” she says.
She earned her PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and has been working in renewable energies ever since. Her journey began with the development of the solar receiver for parabolic trough technology at Schott Solar GmbH and SL, followed by her work at Rioglass Solar SLU.
Beyond her impressive credentials, Patricia is a mother of two, a role she considers her most passionate endeavor and one that has further honed her innovative skills.
In this interview, Patricia shares insights into her profession, her valuable analysis of the energy and thermal storage sector (take note!), and how she carved a path in an industry where, years ago, women were few and far between.
In most cases, as a woman, I had to work much harder to defend a proposal compared to male colleagues who already had a head start
What does your role at RPow involve?
I focus on the development and innovation of Thermal Energy Storage (TES) systems. I have the privilege of serving as Innovation Director at RPow, where I coordinate all R&D+i projects related to TES, build consortia with other companies, universities, and tech centers, and manage the exploitation of new solutions and the intellectual property generated.
From Seville, we manage projects at regional and national levels in collaboration with Spanish institutions and companies, as well as international initiatives, primarily in Europe and the United States.
What challenges have you faced leading research projects at RPow, and how have you overcome them?
Drafting and submitting new project proposals, as well as ensuring full execution and justification for authorities, is always challenging. Coordinating numerous stakeholders within a consortium, each with their own specific interests, is no small task—and deadlines are always tight!
Finding the right partners for each project is another fundamental and complex step. We carry out meticulous scouting and identification of companies and tech centers, which requires a certain level of expertise.
In the realm of innovation, the most significant challenge is designing tailored solutions for end users. It’s a highly precise optimization process that is both demanding and rewarding.
Where do you see thermal energy storage heading in the coming years?
Although this technology has been used in large facilities for over 15 years and is proven to be reliable and cost-effective, there’s still room for improvement in terms of efficiency and cost reduction.
Currently, 74% of the energy demanded by industry is heat, and only 9% of that comes from renewable sources. Most industries operate 24/7 and rely on stable processes, which means they cannot afford energy supply interruptions. This constant demand for thermal energy makes them dependent on stable sources like coal or gas boilers, complicating the integration of renewable energy as their primary source.
However, reducing CO₂ emissions remains a responsibility and a goal. This is why we emphasize that the decarbonization of industry is only achievable with energy storage.
Are there other efficient technologies to connect renewable energy production with industry, or is TES currently one of the best options?
The key to energy storage lies in meeting specific demands with appropriate storage types and optimizing them. For large-scale projects, we advocate for thermal energy storage, primarily using molten salts.
Molten salt stands out as a natural and abundant resource, requiring no extensive extraction or production processes. Additionally, TES enhances grid stability by storing excess electricity generated by renewables and releasing it optimally when renewable production halts.
We are working on advancing these systems to enable greater storage capacity while simplifying operational processes and reducing costs. We also promote hybridizing different thermal storage technologies to match various demands, repurposing old coal plants into renewable energy hubs, and enabling continuous green hydrogen production through TES.
Even though more women are entering engineering, they remain a minority, especially in leadership roles like yours. How do you see the current landscape, and what progress do you notice for future generations?
At RPow Consulting, I’ve witnessed significant strides in the inclusion of women in engineering and technology. While there’s still a long way to go, I see a marked difference compared to the start of my career. Back then, I often found myself as the only woman in a boardroom full of men in suits.
In more informal settings, being a woman sometimes worked to my advantage, as it brought a fresh perspective and ensured I was heard. However, most of the time, I had to fight much harder to defend my proposals compared to male colleagues who already had a head start. And don’t even get me started on how challenging things became after becoming a mother!
That said, history and experience show us that our abilities multiply. Women’s capacity to excel in technical and leadership roles is extraordinary.
Are you optimistic about the future?
Absolutely. More young women are choosing STEM careers, and companies are beginning to understand that promoting diversity and equality isn’t just fair—it’s a competitive advantage.
At RPow Consulting, we actively work to foster equal opportunities and recognize that diversity drives innovation. We’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where women can thrive, lead, and make a difference.
What advice would you give to the next generation of women engineers and technicians?
My advice is to pursue your goals with determination, seek out allies and mentors who can support you, and remember that your perspective is invaluable and essential for the future of engineering and technology.
As leaders, it’s our responsibility to open doors and serve as role models, proving that female leadership in this sector is not only possible but also crucial.
Finally, what do you enjoy most about working in the thermal energy storage sector?
The challenge of reducing global CO₂ emissions is already a powerful motivator. Add to that the fascinating and enriching nature of this field, and it’s the perfect combination.
This job also allows me to interact with professionals across diverse disciplines, providing opportunities to collaborate with people who share similar concerns and work alongside individuals with extensive experience and technical knowledge. It’s a win-win that’s always fulfilling.
And if you get to know them personally and everything clicks, it’s a sign that you’ve truly built a strong team. Ultimately, what matters most in technology and innovation are the people behind it—the human teams that bring these projects to life. Even in the most technical sectors, it’s the people who make the real difference.