SUSTAINABLE HEAT
In a new study, researchers from UNED investigated how AI can predict the performance of the Enerin AS‘s novel Stirling cycle high-temperature heat pump (SC-HTHP). They compared two machine-learning models to determine which can estimate the system’s efficiency most accurately.
From 13-15 July 2026, the SUSHEAT project had the pleasure to be featured at the Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED)’s Summer Course, La nueva revolución energética: del petróleo a la electrificación renovable (English translation: The New Energy Revolution: From Oil to Renewable Electrification). Delivered entirely in Spanish, the event took place at the Associated Centre of the UNED in Ávila, Spain.
In a new study, researchers from UNED investigated how AI can predict the performance of the Enerin AS‘s novel Stirling cycle high-temperature heat pump (SC-HTHP). They compared two machine-learning models to determine which can estimate the system’s efficiency most accurately.
In May, the SUSHEAT consortium gathered in Vienna, hosted by project partner RTDS Group, for the project’s Month 36 Consortium Meeting. Crossing the three-year mark of this ambitious Horizon Europe initiative, the meeting highlighted the remarkable progress already made in SUSHEAT’s lifetime, allowing partners to reflect on the project’s successes, tackle upcoming challenges, and chart the course for the final year.
SUSHEAT aims to revolutionize industrial heat upgrading processes, with the smart integration of waste heat and renewable energy. The updates shared during the Scientific & Technical Committee (STC) sessions in Vienna highlighted just how close the project is to realizing this vision. The morning kicked off robust technical discussions with UNED and KTH showcasing their impressive work on the Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). These models demonstrated how SUSHEAT’s innovative configurations can reduce carbon emissions by up to 90% in optimal scenarios compared to current methods (e.g., gas boilers).
A major highlight of the technical review was the progress shown on core hardware components. ENERIN provided an exciting update on the high-temperature heat pump, noting that production is nearly complete and the system is gearing up for its crucial testing phase. Alongside this, the teams from UDL, i-TES, and Analisis-DSC shared fascinating artificial intelligence-driven insights into the Thermal Energy Storage (TES) designs. Their work confirms that the innovative phase change materials (PCM) are performing exceptionally well in simulations, melting and storing heat more efficiently than traditional setups. To bring these components together, KTH outlined the rigorous validation roadmap for the project’s integrated system at TRL5, mapping out the final steps for lab adaptation and the highly anticipated experimental campaign set to commence later this summer.
Beyond hardware and thermodynamics, a key focus for the project is ensuring the widespread adoption and understanding of the SUSHEAT system. RTDS Group led the session on Dissemination and Communication, showcasing the project’s expanding outreach. From the “Heat Shift” videocast to consistent active participation in global conferences and targeted webinars, the project’s narrative is reaching key industrial stakeholders. Paired with LC Innoconsult’s strategic exploitation workshops, the consortium is ensuring that SUSHEAT solutions won’t just succeed in the lab, but actually thrive in the market.
Taking advantage of the gathering in Vienna, several members of the consortium also attended the 15th IEA Heat Pump Conference (HPC 2026). It was a highly successful event for SUSHEAT, with three project partners presenting their promising research and sparking valuable discussions among global experts. Iman Golpour (UNED) detailed the life cycle assessment of a Stirling cycle-based high-temperature heat pump tailored for industrial decarbonization. Arne Høeg, CEO of ENERIN, shared compelling performance evaluation results for their reverse Stirling cycle heat pump. Additionally, Mateo Sanclemente Lozano (KTH) presented on the integrated high-temperature heat pump and thermal energy storage laboratory rig, highlighting developments on the validation plant and preliminary commissioning results. The project is also deeply grateful to the European Heat Pump Association for showcasing SUSHEAT communication materials at the exhibitor booth.
Looking ahead to the final stretch of the project, which will culminate in Month 48, this meeting stood out as a moment of alignment and motivation. The consortium is continues working toward making sustainable, high-temperature industrial heat a reality.
European industry is confronted with a pivotal challenge: how to decarbonise industrial processes and transition towards sustainable heat solutions amidst escalating energy costs and the pressing need to reduce CO2 emissions. The path away from fossil fuels is both necessary and complex, requiring coordinated efforts and innovative strategies spanning research, industry, and policy.
To discuss possible solutions to this pressing need, the SUSHEAT project organised a webinar on 10th March 2026. The event gathered leading industry stakeholders and research experts from across Europe to exchange insights, present forward-thinking approaches, and foster collaborative solutions. Through constructive dialogue and knowledge sharing, participants explored how innovative technologies and partnerships can drive the sustainable transformation of industrial heating throughout the continent.
The expertise shared during this session was anchored by the SUSHEAT External Advisory Board (EAB), a select group of independent industry leaders and technical specialists who provide the project with strategic oversight. The EAB acts as a bridge between lab and ‘real-world’ application, ensuring SUSHEAT’s innovation, are both scientifically sound and commercially viable. By bringing together voices from diverse sectors like textiles, food production, and energy consulting, the EAB ensures that SUSHEAT’s “Smart Integration” approach addresses the actual pain points of European manufacturers making use of thermal processes.
For example, Behçet Güven from Özen Mensucat provided some perspective from the textile manufacturing sector, where energy costs make up 10 to 15% of total expenses. Their facilities in Turkey use some 2,500 tons of water daily, heating it up for fabric dyeing and finishing before cooling it back down. While they have successfully implemented biomass, solar energy, and wastewater heat recovery into their process to achieve major energy reductions, they are still actively looking for advanced solutions to tackle 200°C high-temperature drying processes.
Similarly, Mario Arellano from Panificadora de Alcala highlighted the intense energy demands in the bakery industry, where ovens operate 24 hours a day at temperatures ranging from 50°C to 180°C. Traditionally reliant on natural gas boilers, the bakery sector is now exploring heat recovery from hot oven air, using industrial heat pumps to reach temperatures to 90-120°C, and thermal energy storage to manage fluctuating production starts and stops.
However, as Jan Haraldsen from Epcon pointed out, a major barrier to adoption is the industry’s concern over process vulnerability. Companies are understandably cautious about implementing external energy recovery systems that might risk product damage or cross-contamination. Solutions must be carefully integrated to align with strict process criteria, ideally utilizing natural working fluids like water vapor to ensure safety and efficiency.
To meet these demanding industrial needs, research initiatives are developing highly advanced, scalable technologies. SUSHEAT technical coordinator Antonio Rovira (UNED) outlined the project’s three key enabling technologies that can sustainably increase temperatures to 250°C:
Adding to the technological landscape, Andrea Zini presented the GEOSYN project, which focuses on harnessing medium-grade geothermal waste heat. By integrating a high-temperature water heat pump and a steam ejector, the system can simultaneously deliver 50 kW of process heat at 200°C for sectors like the dairy industry, alongside 20 kW of cooling power.
During the webinar’s panel section, consensus was clear: the ultimate gamechanger for industrial heat adoption is flexibility. Silvia Trevisan from SUSHEAT partner KTH noted that the ability to switch dynamically between heat pumps, solar technologies, and thermal storage based on weather or grid conditions is an essential winning factor.
The SUSHEAT project has released two new infographics that explain, in a concise and visual way, key technological solutions being developed by the consortium …
The SUSHEAT consortium gathered in Valencia for its M30 meeting to review progress, align on key milestones, and visit SOLATOM’s innovative solar heat installations.
Pioneering Industrial Decarbonisation: SUSHEAT and the 2cool2waste Cluster Take the Stage
At the October 2025 2cool2waste webinar, 15 Horizon Europe projects shared decarbonisation solutions. SUSHEAT stood out with flexible, on-demand heating. Coordinator Dr. Ruben Barbero Fresno urged systemic change. The cluster’s collaboration signals Europe’s readiness for clean, competitive, real-world industrial transformation.
Digital twins and AI-driven control systems are transforming industrial heat supply. The SUSHEAT project develops a digital twin to optimize high-temperature heat pumps, integrating renewable energy and thermal storage for greater efficiency and reliability. This innovation supports the EU’s net-zero goals by 2050, paving the way for sustainable industrial energy systems.
On 12 June, during the 10th IEA Global Conference on Energy Efficiency, We Don’t Have Time hosted a high-level broadcast featuring SUSHEAT innovations, spotlighting industrial waste heat recovery as a key driver of energy efficiency and climate action in Europe.