Concentrated solar thermal systems for decarbonising industrial processes

What is this call about?

The call funds innovation actions that demonstrate concentrated solar thermal systems with storage supplying heat at 150°C to 400°C to existing industrial processes.

What does this call fund?

Scope

Proposals should demonstrate concentrated solar technologies producing heat between 150°C and 400°C, combined with storage, that feed existing industrial heating or cooling processes such as drying, melting, sterilisation or refrigeration. The solar heat system is expected to be integrated efficiently, and the industrial process should be optimised for energy efficiency and heat recovery where possible. Hybridisation with other on-site renewables may be considered, but the core of the work is expected to focus on the concentrated solar thermal part.

Demonstration requirements

• Demonstration under all possible solar incidence for a continuous period of at least 6 months
• Assessment of techno-economic feasibility, environmental impact, integration issues such as surface availability, and replicability
• A go/no-go milestone before deployment, by which the project submits proof of the industrial partner's engagement, all permits, detailed engineering plans and a complete business and implementation plan

Expected outcomes

Show that concentrated solar thermal systems can meet most of the heat demand of industrial processes with a yearly solar fraction of at least 50%, and make the technology more competitive through a feasible business case and a lower levelised cost of heating.

Other conditions

Use of the EU-SOLARIS research infrastructure is encouraged but not mandatory. Activities are expected to reach TRL 7.

When is the deadline?

31 March 2027 (145 days)

31 March 2027. Single-stage submission; planned opening date 3 December 2026.