The European Geosciences Union (EGU) General Assembly this year was possibly the best ever. Over 11,000 attendees from 95 countries and I never saw so many posters, 9092 in total and changed every day. We had a lot of scientists visiting the Kipp & Zonen booth to discuss current and future projects. Many of them are already satisfied users of our instruments and there were some novel applications that we will feature in future Newsletters.
On 24 and 25 April I was in one of the most impressive surroundings I’ve ever experienced; solar thermal energy plant Palma del Rio (I and II) in the Spanish region of Andalusia. This large 270 ha solar energy plant of Acciona is filled with parabolic mirrors that gives an overwhelming feeling of mystery and innovation. It has the potential of 100 MW and can provide 70,000 homes with electricity. This is the scene of part two of our corporate video.
Countless rows of mirrors at CSP plants Palma del Rio I and II
Currently there is a lot of interest in the history of scientific instruments and their measurements. The pyranometer is still one of Kipp & Zonen’s core products today, but it dates back to the early years of the last century. Who better to ask than our senior scientist Leo van Wely to reflect on this subject? Leo just retired, but is more than happy to keep involved with his passion for 33 years.
