We are excited to announce that SteamDry is actively participating in the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) 2025, Europe’s premier event dedicated to renewables and energy efficiency, taking place from 10 to 12 June 2025 in Brussels and online.
SteamDry at the MiniStor Final Conference – 9 June
SteamDry will commence its EUSEW 2025 engagement by contributing to the MiniStor Final Conference on 9 June, an official Energy Day event under the EUSEW umbrella. This conference will focus on advancing decarbonisation strategies, particularly in the residential sector. Our representative, Joanne Siccama from Wageningen University & Research, presented SteamDry’s innovative approach to reducing energy consumption and CO₂ emissions in the paper and board manufacturing industry.
Watch the SteamDry presentation from around minute 3:27:00:
The MiniStor Final Conference will focus discussions on thermal energy storage technologies, with insights from experts like Carlos Ochoa (IERC), Driss Stitou (CNRS), and Georgios Martinopoulos (CERTH/CPERI). SteamDry’s participation will highlight the project’s potential to achieve up to 60% energy savings in thermal drying and 40% energy savings across production lines, contributing significantly to the EU’s decarbonisation goals.
Join Us at the EUSEW Energy Fair – 11–12 June
Following the conference, SteamDry will be showcased at the EUSEW Energy Fair on 11 and 12 June, located at Stand C-5 in the Charlemagne building. This exhibition is part of a collaborative effort featuring several EU-funded projects, including Confess, MiniStor, Maxima, ECOLOOP, EBENTO, ECLIPSE, and R2D2 .
Visitors to our stand can:
Explore how SteamDry is transforming the paper industry through breakthrough advancements in energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. Learn how our technology contributes to achieving major energy and CO₂ reduction targets.
This premier international conference brings together researchers, professionals, and industry leaders to explore the latest developments in drying and dewatering technologies. It’s a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research, share knowledge, and help shape the future of the field.
What to Expect at Eurodrying 2025
Keynote talks from leading academic and industry experts.
Oral, pitch, and poster presentations on the latest research and innovations.
Interactive sessions that encourage discussion and collaboration.
Technical excursions to state-of-the-art facilities in Wageningen and across the Netherlands.
Featured Keynote Speakers
This year’s extended lineup includes thought leaders from across Europe, covering a range of topics critical to the future of drying:
Dr. Jewe Schröder (Danone): Bridging fundamental spray drying research with industrial application.
Prof. Séverine Vessot Crastes (University of Lyon): Challenges in freeze drying of pharmaceuticals and biological materials.
1. Driving Sustainability and Feasibility for Drying Technologies in the Paper, Wood, and Food Industries through Life Cycle Assessment and Techno-Economic Analysis
This study evaluates the environmental and economic performance of drying technologies across the paper, wood, and food sectors, which together account for a significant share of industrial energy use. Using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA), the research identifies sustainable alternatives, highlighting superheated steam drying as a promising cross-sector solution with high energy savings potential. The study provides a much-needed quantitative framework for comparing drying methods and supporting strategic industrial decision-making in line with EU sustainability goals.
2. Enhancing Energy Efficiency of Paper Production by Superheated Steam Drying
This contribution focuses on optimizing the energy efficiency of paper drying by replacing traditional hot air drying with superheated steam and integrating heat recovery concepts. Using process simulations in IPSEpro, the team evaluates multiple configurations, identifying energy-saving potentials of up to 70% compared to conventional systems. The findings underline the crucial impact of steam pressure and temperature on efficiency and provide guidance for developing practical, cost-effective retrofits for the paper industry.
3. A Data-Driven Model as a Simulation Platform for Reinforcement-Based Dryness Control of a Pilot Paper-Making Machine Using Active Learning
This presentation introduces a data-driven control system for drying processes in paper production, based on reinforcement learning and activelearning strategies. The project involves building a simulation platform using real-world data from VTT’s pilot plant, modeling both impingement and through-air drying. By leveraging machine learning techniques such as Lasso regression and Gaussian process modeling, the team aims to develop a smart control system that can dynamically optimize drying conditions to balance product quality, energy efficiency, and production rates—paving the way for fully electrified, CO₂-neutral drying operations.
These contributions reflect SteamDry’s mission to support the transition toward more sustainable, efficient, and digitally controlled drying technologies for European industry. We look forward to sharing insights and engaging in meaningful discussion at Eurodrying 2025.
The AIT Austrian Institute of Technology will showcase the SteamDry project at the NEFI Conference, scheduled for October 24-25, 2024, in Vienna, Austria. The presentation will be a part of the NEFI Technology Talk: Decarbonisation of the Paper Industry – Perspectives, Opportunities, and Innovative Solutions, on October 25, 11:30 – 13:00.
AIT’s talk, titled “SteamDry: Innovative Solution for Decarbonizing the Drying Process in the Paper Industry,” will focus on reducing carbon emissions in one of the paper industry’s most energy-intensive stages – the drying process. The NEFI Technology Talk will cover various decarbonization challenges and solutions from industry level to site level and down to the process and component level for decarbonizing the paper sector, which consumes over 348,808 GWh annually in Europe.
Key speakers at this session include:
Veronika Wilk (AIT), providing the welcome and introduction.
David Kainrath (Austropapier), presenting on Austria’s decarbonization framework for the pulp and paper sector.
Sophie Knöttner (AIT), showcasing a decision support tool for decarbonizing energy supply at paper production sites.
Gert Pfleger (Norske Skog), presenting on the Waste-to-Energy Boiler project’s success.
Sabrina Dusek (AIT), introducing SteamDry as an innovative solution for decarbonizing the drying process.
About NEFI Conference 2024
NEFI Conference 2024 (NEFI Conference 2024 – NEFI): The 3rd international scientific NEFI Conference2024 takes place in Vienna, Austria, on 24-25 October. It’s a must-attend event for industry, researchers, and government agencies driving the transition to a greener net zero future.
The focus is on Industrial Decarbonisation, cooperation, and transformation, supporting industries on their path toward a sustainable future. Don’t miss the opportunity for networking and collaboration with great experts. Register now!
NEFI+ is the new innovation laboratory of the Climate and Energy Fund’s RTI initiative for the transformation of industry. Important practical research and demonstration projects for a climate neutral industry are being developed in six hubs. The innovation network NEFI – New Energy for Industry (AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, Montanuniversität Leoben, OÖ Energiesparverband and Business Upper Austria) supports the development of the innovation hubs with its infrastructure, expertise and existing networks. Significant funding comes from the two strong industrial federal states of Upper Austria and Styria. The Climate and Energy Fund’s RTI initiative for the transformation of industry is part of the Climate Protection Ministry’s overarching climate and transformation campaign “Transformation of Industry”.
Our project partner, the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, participated in the Chillventa 2024 Exhibition from October 8 to 10, 2024 at the Exhibition Centre Nuremberg. Chillventa is the world’s leading exhibition focused on refrigeration, air conditioning (AC), ventilation, and heat pump technologies, providing a global platform to explore the latest industry trends and innovations.
At this year’s event, AIT, Austria’s largest Research and Technology Organization (RTO), presented its work in sustainable thermal energy systems. Specializing in heat integration and energy efficiency, AIT leads the design and validation of the Superheated Steam Drying (SSD) process, a key focus of the SteamDry project.
Attendees could visit the AIT booth at Hall 4A, Stand 4A-305, where SteamDry were prominently featured. Through engaging slide presentations, visitors will discover how the Superheated Steam Drying (SSD) technology can transform energy-intensive drying processes by significantly reducing energy consumption and minimizing environmental impact.
For the SteamDry project, AIT plays a critical role, coordinating the design of the SSD drying process with heat integration (WP4), validating the SSD concept (WP5), and contributing to the development of digitalization tools (WP8) for enhanced performance.
The slides used during the conference are available for consultation here.
About Chillventa 2024
Chillventa is the premier global exhibition for professionals in the fields of refrigeration, AC, ventilation, and heat pump technologies. With more than 843 exhibitors from 43 countries and over 30,000 visitors expected, the event is an unmatched platform for discovering innovative products, learning about the latest trends, and networking with industry experts.
Key topics at Chillventa 2024 include energy efficiency, greenhouse gas reduction, and sustainability, all of which align with AIT’s focus on creating sustainable thermal energy solutions.
The paper industry is one of the most energy-intensive sectors, with drying accounting for nearly 70% of total energy consumption. The SHSD process being researched has the potential to reduce energy use by 70% and cut CO2 emissions by 88% compared to traditional air drying methods. However, contaminants like dust and non-condensable gases pose challenges that need to be addressed to maintain an efficient, closed-loop system.
The University of Twente’s role in the SteamDry project is to design a model-based separation system that ensures high-quality steam recovery. This involves the development of dynamic models that will optimize the separation equipment’s performance and ultimately contribute to creating a digital twin for real-time process control.
We connected with experts from academia, industry, and government at NPS 19 to further discussions on how SHSD can contribute to a more sustainable future in industrial processes. Join us in exploring innovative solutions that bridge sustainable process and product technology!
TheSteamDry project participated in the NWGD Symposium on October 3, 2024, in Wageningen, Netherlands. This annual gathering, organized by the Netherlands Working Group on Drying (NWGD), is a key event for experts in dewatering and drying technology, focusing on advancements in energy-efficient drying and improved product quality.
Joanne Siccama, from Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, spoke on behalf of the SteamDry project. Her presentation, titled “Superheated Steam Drying in the Paper Industry: Opportunities and Challenges,” delved into the innovative approaches our project brings to drying processes within the paper industry. Joanne discussed the advantages of superheated steam drying, the obstacles faced, and the potential this technology holds for reducing energy consumption and improving sustainability.
The symposium featured a diverse range of presentations from industry leaders, researchers, and academics, highlighting the latest innovations in drying technologies. With a focus on networking and collaboration, participants had the opportunity to connect with peers, explore new ideas, and discuss potential projects.
Program Highlights:
Time: 09:00 – 21:00
Location: Omnia, Wageningen Campus, Wageningen
SteamDry Presentation: 16:45 – Superheated Steam Drying in the Paper Industry: Opportunities and Challenges Presenter: Joanne Siccama
In addition to presentations, the symposium also hosted a poster & pitch session with prizes awarded to the best student contributions, making it a vibrant forum for knowledge exchange and innovation.
For those interested in learning more about the SteamDry project’s cutting-edge research and its potential to transform the drying industry, don’t miss Joanne’s presentation at 16:45.
Joanne Siccama, from 