Optimal Solar Systems for Industrial Heat and Power

Solutions developed

INDHEAP aims to demonstrate at TRL7 how combining solar thermal (ST) and photovoltaic (PV) technologies can supply both heat and power to mid-temperature industrial processes (up to 250°C). A key innovation is the development of a flexible Thermal Energy Storage system (e-TES) that enables more efficient use of renewable energy. The project develops methodologies and tools to improve energy efficiency, increase demand flexibility, and optimise the balance between solar thermal and photovoltaic generation based on technical, economic, and environmental criteria. INDHEAP also advances enabling technologies, including thermal energy storage, medium-temperature solar collectors, PV integration solutions, and intelligent controllers for integrated heat and power management. These solutions will be validated through an industrial demonstration in Spain, supporting future replication and contributing to industrial decarbonisation and Europe’s climate neutrality objectives.

Main results

INDHEAP has made significant progress in developing integrated solar thermal and photovoltaic solutions for industrial heat and power. Key achievements include the completion of energy analyses and techno-economic assessments at the demonstration and replication sites, the development of a hybrid energy system concept for the demonstration site in Valdemoro, Spain, and the advancement of optimisation tools, integration methodologies, thermal energy storage solutions, solar technologies, and control strategies. The project has also completed the engineering and preparatory studies required for implementation, with construction activities underway at the demonstration site. INDHEAP is now progressing towards the deployment and future testing of its integrated system in a real industrial environment.