Francisco Javier Rey Martinez
Country: Spain
Nominated by: Alfonso Arroyo Gonzalez (Director of EREN, Ente público Regional de la Energía de Castilla y León)
Summary of Nominee’s Contributions
Prof. Dr. Francisco Javier Rey Martínez has played a pivotal role in sustainable energy and climate action in Castilla y León, shaping its R&D landscape and influencing the region’s economy, energy policies, and environmental sustainability. As a professor at the University of Valladolid and founder of the R&D division at CADE, he has led over 45 R&D projects, published 200 scientific papers, and supervised 30 doctoral theses, positioning Castilla y León as a leader in sustainable energy research.
A pioneer in nearly zero-energy buildings (nZEB) and advanced HVAC systems, his innovations have led to up to 40% reductions in energy consumption and greater renewable energy integration. His collaborations with industry and policymakers have fostered economic growth, job creation, and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies.
As an advisor to EUROTHERM, REHVA, and KONWAKAI, he has influenced energy policies and higher education programmes, ensuring Castilla y León remains a hub for energy innovation. Recognised with national research awards, his visionary leadership continues to shape the region’s energy transition.
Creativity and strategic vision
Prof. Dr. Rey Martínez has demonstrated exceptional creativity and strategic vision, anticipating energy transition challenges and optimising R&D to enhance regional sustainability. His long-term planning has shaped climate and energy strategies at both local and regional levels.
A leader in climate-adaptive energy modelling, he has conducted longitudinal assessments of climate change impacts, guiding energy demand forecasting, resilience planning, and urban sustainability. As an expert in standardisation and regulatory frameworks, he has contributed to EUROTHERM, REHVA, and KONWAKAI, serving as an ANECA evaluator and shaping energy efficiency regulations and climatization standards at both national and EU levels.
By integrating scientific research, technological development, and policy engagement, he has transformed Castilla y León’s energy R&D sector. His technical innovations and forward-thinking strategies have established a low-carbon energy framework, reinforcing the region’s leadership in energy efficiency and climate research.
Impact
Prof. Dr. Rey Martínez has made a lasting impact on Castilla y León’s energy transition, driving sustainability, economic growth, and knowledge transfer. With 45+ large-scale R&D projects, he has advanced sustainable energy, climate research, and renewable integration, directly benefiting the region’s energy infrastructure and economy. His innovations in nZEB buildings, passive climatization, and HVAC systems have reduced energy consumption by up to 40%, lowering fossil fuel dependence and carbon emissions. Through European and national-funded projects, he has optimised energy use across public infrastructure, industrial facilities, and residential buildings, promoting renewable energy adoption.
His work has generated economic growth and job creation, accelerating sustainable energy solutions through technology transfer initiatives with regional and national companies. His research group, GIRTER, has positioned Castilla y León as a hub for energy efficiency and climate change expertise, attracting investment and innovation in collaboration with regional energy agencies.
A dedicated educator, he has supervised 30+ doctoral theses, training a new generation of energy leaders who now shape sustainability efforts in academia, industry, and policymaking. His contributions to higher education and professional training programmes have strengthened the region’s human capital in energy and environmental sciences.
Beyond Castilla y León, Dr. Rey actively shapes European energy regulations through EUROTHERM, REHVA, and KONWAKAI. His research on climate change and energy demand has influenced urban planning strategies across Europe and Latin America, reinforcing global energy transition efforts. His combined contributions in technological innovation, policy influence, and economic development continue to accelerate climate and energy transition, making his work essential for a more sustainable future.
Leadership
Prof. Dr. Rey Martínez’s mentorship has shaped the future of energy research, supervising 30 doctoral theses in energy simulation, climatization systems, indoor air quality, and renewable energy development.
His research leadership has driven participation in 45+ European and national R&D projects, fostering collaborations between academic institutions and industry leaders, directly influencing global climate and energy policies. Through partnerships with industry and active policy engagement in European scientific committees, he has amplified his impact beyond Castilla y León, advancing renewable energy adoption across Europe.