Concentrated Solar Thermal Systems for Decarbonising Industrial Processes - European Commission
Funds projects demonstrating concentrated solar thermal integration in industry to supply renewable heat, optimize efficiency, and support decarbonisation of industrial processes.
Funder: European Commission
Due Dates: March 31, 2027
Funding Amounts: Around €6,000,000 per project; total budget €12,000,000; typically 2 grants awarded.
Summary: Supports demonstration projects that integrate concentrated solar thermal systems into industrial processes to supply renewable heat and enhance decarbonisation.
Description
This funding opportunity supports demonstration projects that use concentrated solar thermal technologies to provide renewable heat for industrial processes operating in the 150°C to 400°C range. Projects should focus on integrating solar heat systems—potentially with storage—into existing industrial heating and cooling processes such as drying, melting, sterilisation, or refrigeration. The aim is to optimize energy efficiency, maximize the solar contribution to heat demand, and demonstrate both the technical and economic feasibility as well as the environmental benefits of these systems.
Proposals must include a demonstration running for at least six continuous months and should consider the replicability of the approach to other industrial settings. Applicants are expected to address integration challenges (such as surface availability), present a clear go/no-go milestone before deployment (with evidence of industrial commitment, necessary permits, engineering plans, and a business plan), and may optionally make use of the EU-SOLARIS research infrastructure.
