Abengoa recognized as the leading Spanish company for international patent applications in 2012 -- WASHINGTON, July 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- WASHINGTON, July 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Abengoa (MCE: ABG.B), the company that applies innovative technology solutions for sustainability in the energy and environment sectors, has been recognized as one of the leading technology companies in industrial property thanks to its research, development and innovation (R&D+i) investment in new technology. Abengoa was the number one Spanish company in the international patent application ranking by the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (SPTO) for 2012, and seventh among all institutions, led by the Spanish Higher Council for Scientific Research (CSIC). Abengoa's growth model, based on technological leadership and an unwavering commitment to research, development, innovation and technology, enables the company to create value with new products and processes. The patents requested and awarded protect the development of these new technologies developed in Abengoa's main strategic areas of solar energy, biofuels and water desalination. Furthermore, international patents enable growth in cutting-edge markets in a globalized world, following a proprietary methodology of prioritizing patents and regions according to their potential. Abengoa invests nearly €100 million every year in R&D+i activities in order to develop and validate new technologies and to protect them internationally using patents. The company's unwavering commitment to technology and protecting its R&D+i results, combined with the work of more than 730 researchers focused on developing and improving new technologies, has led to significant growth in the number of patents, which currently exceeds 220 applications and awards. Abengoa is currently a world leader in technological research and development in every sector in which it operates. The Solucar platform in Seville, the largest solar energy R&D+i center in the world, is just one part of its demonstration and experimental facilities. In its R&D+i activities, Abengoa collaborates with internationally renowned partners and research centers in the field of energy and the environment, as well as leading highly innovative projects that have been selected by the US Department of Energy, the European Union and numerous entities around the world that promote technological development. About Abengoa Abengoa (MCE: ABG.B) applies innovative technology solutions for sustainability in the energy and environment sectors, generating electricity from renewable resources, converting biomass into biofuels and producing drinking water from sea water. (www.abengoa.com) Communication Department: Patricia Malo de Molina Melendez. E-mail: communication@abengoa.com Investor relations Barbara Zubiria Furest. E-mail: ir@abengoa.com You can also follow us on: Twitter: @abengoa_blog LinkedIn: Abengoa And on our blog: http://blog.abengoa.es RELATED LINKS http://www.abengoa.com