INDHEAP Showcased at SolarPACES 2026

The INDHEAP project was represented at SolarPACES 2026, held in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, Germany, from 15 to 18 September 2026. The conference brought together researchers, industry experts, and technology developers from around the world to discuss the latest advances in concentrated solar technologies, thermal energy systems, and solar-driven industrial applications.

During the event, Raphaël Albert from CEA delivered a presentation titled “Optimal design of hybrid solar systems for decarbonized industrial process heat and electricity.” The presentation provided an overview of how the INDHEAP project is leveraging advanced optimisation tools to support the integration of renewable energy technologies in industrial processes.

The presentation introduced CAIRN, an open-source energy management and optimisation software developed by CEA, which is being used within INDHEAP to determine the optimal sizing of solar thermal, photovoltaic, storage, and electrification technologies. The tool evaluates different energy system configurations while considering economic, environmental, and operational criteria, helping identify cost-effective pathways towards industrial decarbonisation.

The approach was demonstrated using three industrial case studies, including the INDHEAP demonstration site at the TotalEnergies lubricant plant in Spain and two replication sites in Cyprus and Portugal. By analysing different technology combinations and constraints, the study assessed system performance, investment requirements, CO₂ emission reductions, and the contribution of renewable energy technologies to industrial heat demand.

The results highlighted the value of optimisation-based design in supporting industrial decision-making. The analysis compared the foreseen INDHEAP system configurations with optimised alternatives and quantified the impact of factors such as prototype costs, storage technologies, and electrification options. The work demonstrated how hybrid renewable energy systems can be designed to balance economic performance and emission reductions while increasing the share of renewable energy in industrial operations.

The conference provided an excellent opportunity to showcase INDHEAP’s progress, exchange knowledge with the international solar thermal community, and discuss innovative solutions for renewable industrial heat and thermal energy storage. SolarPACES remains one of the key international forums for advancing research and collaboration in concentrated solar and industrial solar heat technologies.

We thank all participants who attended the presentation and engaged in discussions throughout the conference. Through events such as SolarPACES, INDHEAP continues to share knowledge and contribute to the development of sustainable, low-carbon industrial energy systems.