INDHEAP at the CINEA Clustering Event!
Advocating for Thermal Innovation in Industrial Decarbonization
INDHEAP proudly participated in the first clustering event on Efficient, Sustainable Energy Use in Industry, organized by CINEA in Brussels.
The event brought together over 20 Horizon Europe projects, representatives from DG ENER, A.SPIRE, and other key stakeholders to explore synergies and challenges in the decarbonization of European industry.
Representing INDHEAP: Valéry Vuillerme (CEA)
Valéry Vuillerme, coordinator of the INDHEAP project, presented the project’s vision: to demonstrate the value of hybrid solar thermal (ST) and photovoltaic (PV) systems for medium-temperature industrial processes, supported by a flexible thermal energy storage system (e-TES).
Key Takeaways from the Event
While the event covered a wide range of topics, two themes stood out:
- The Need for Ready-to-Deploy Thermal Storage Solutions
- Industrial stakeholders emphasized the urgency of having scalable, off-the-shelf thermal storage technologies to support process heat decarbonization.
- Trusted Data Sharing for Energy System Integration
- In the context of industrial symbiosis, secure and transparent data exchange is essential for optimizing energy flows and enabling collaborative energy management.
A Word of Caution: Electrification Isn’t Always the Answer
While parts of DG ENER expressed strong support for electrification, INDHEAP advocates for a technology-neutral approach. Direct electrification of industrial heat is not always the most competitive option when considering Levelized Cost of Heat (LCOH). Thermal solutions — especially when integrated with solar — offer a flexible, cost-effective alternative that deserves equal attention.
Looking Ahead
The event was a valuable opportunity to connect with other EU-funded projects, explore potential collaborations, and align efforts toward a shared goal: a decarbonized, resilient European industry.