Women+ in Concentrated Solar has taken a step toward change by launching the first-ever award dedicated to women in the concentrated solar field, to boost their career visibility, inspire and empower more women in our sector, and show that recognition in our industry is—and should be—diverse and inclusive.
And the winner for Women + CS Award 2026 is… Dr. Cristina Prieto Rios! Congratulations!
🌟 With 25+ years bridging research and industry in Concentrated Solar Power and Thermal Energy Storage, Dr. Prieto’s fingerprints are on CSP plants around the world: PS10, Solnova, Solana, Khi Solar One, Xina Solar One, and Cerro Dominador.
One of the few women present at the beginning of CSP development, she contributed to the development of technologies that are now used worldwide!
Beyond the science, she’s a mentor, a coordinator of major Horizon Europe projects, and a co-author of International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) 2025 report on how CST can drive inclusive, local economic development.
She’s also a firm advocate for equality, bringing this deep commitment to every initiative and event she organizes, actively championing diversity in our field.
Congratulations, Cristina! 👏
Thanks SolarPACES for the support with the award!