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Electrification and advanced heat for energy intensive industries: from pilots to EU wide deployment

18 June 2026 (09:30–11:00 CEST) – Online (Microsoft Teams)

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This joint Sustainable Energy Day by SteamDry and METAWAVE is organised in the framework of EU Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) 2026, the main annual event of the European Union dedicated to renewables and energy efficiency. EUSEW provides a platform to present innovative projects, exchange best practices and build partnerships that support the EU’s energy and climate goals, including higher energy‑efficiency targets, accelerated renewables deployment and climate‑neutrality by 2050.

By focusing on the electrification of industrial heat in sectors such as paper and board, ceramics, asphalt and aluminium, the event contributes directly to these objectives. Electrified process‑heat solutions like superheated steam drying and microwave‑based high‑temperature processes can significantly reduce fossil fuel use, lower greenhouse‑gas emissions and improve energy efficiency in some of Europe’s most energy‑intensive value chains. At the same time, they help implement key EU strategies such as the Green Deal, REPowerEU and the Industrial Green Deal, which all call for faster decarbonisation of industry while preserving competitiveness and quality jobs.

The session is designed not only to showcase technical progress, but also to inform policy. Through a combination of data‑driven presentations, project pitches and an interactive policy panel with representatives from EU‑level initiatives, industry and the European Parliament, the event will identify barriers and enablers for scaling up electrified heat. The resulting messages aim to support EU and national decision‑makers in designing regulations, funding instruments and industrial strategies that accelerate the transition of energy‑intensive industries in line with Europe’s climate and energy targets.

Programme highlights

Welcome and opening remarks (09:30)
Policy keynote: why industrial heat electrification now (09:35)
  • Alper Akdag – Chair of A.SPIRE Working Group 1 (Energy and CO₂), setting the scene on the EU policy context, REPowerEU and support for energy‑intensive industries.
The challenge: energy use and CO₂ in energy‑intensive process industries (09:45)

Data‑driven overview of current energy use, fuel mix and emissions in the processes targeted by SteamDry and METAWAVE, and the potential impact of electrified solutions.

Project pitches: electrification solutions in practice (10:00)
  • METAWAVE – Microwave‑based high‑temperature processes for energy‑intensive sectors.
    María Herrando – METAWAVE project coordinator and senior researcher at ITA Instituto Tecnológico de Aragón.

Concise, policy‑oriented presentations on the technologies, their main industrial applications and the practical challenges to large‑scale deployment.

Interactive policy panel: what industry needs to scale electrified heat (10:20)

Moderated discussion on policy changes, instruments and regional initiatives needed to accelerate the deployment of electrified process heat, including audience questions and a short live poll.

 

This Sustainable Energy Day aims to feed concrete messages from industry and research into the wider EUSEW policy debate on how to support the transition of energy‑intensive industries while maintaining competitiveness.

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Steamdry at the 15th IEA Heat Pump Conference

Steamdry was pleased to participate in the 15th IEA Heat Pump Conference, where our partner AIT Austrian Institute of Technology presented a joint work on advanced heat recovery and drying technologies.

The presentation, titled “Heat recovery with steam compressor: Dynamic model of a superheated steam drying system to evaluate efficient system operation,” was delivered by Michael Pölzl (AIT) on Friday, May 29 in the Festsaal. It was part of the session “HTH11 + AIP2 Techno-Economic & Environmental Assessment of High Temperature Heat Pumps and Adaptation of Industrial Processes.”

This contribution, developed by AIT in collaboration with Piller Blowers & Compressors and Wageningen University & Research, focuses on superheated steam drying (SSD) as an innovative alternative to conventional drying processes in the pulp and paper industry.

SSD offers strong potential for improving energy efficiency, reducing emissions, and enhancing product quality. A key element of the system is the use of a steam compressor, which recovers latent heat from excess steam and upgrades it to the required temperature and pressure levels for reuse within the drying process.

To better understand and optimize this complex system, a dynamic model has been developed to simulate the transient behavior of the dryer, steam compressor, and auxiliary components such as heat exchangers and electrical heating. This model makes it possible to evaluate how different operating conditions—such as temperature levels and the presence of air in the steam cycle—affect overall system performance and efficiency.

The results demonstrate how such modeling tools can support the design and operation of superheated steam drying systems, enabling more efficient and reliable integration into industrial processes.

Through its partners, SteamDry is proud to contribute to the development of next-generation drying technologies and to support the transition toward more energy-efficient industrial solutions.

The presentation provided an opportunity to share the project’s latest developments with researchers, industry representatives, and other stakeholders working to advance sustainable and energy-efficient industrial processes.

About the event

The IEA Heat Pump Conference is one of the leading international events on heat pump technologies, bringing together industry, research, and policy to advance energy efficiency and decarbonization in heating and industrial processes.

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SteamDry showcased Superheated Steam Drying at Pulp & Beyond 2026

SteamDry showcased its superheated steam drying technology at Pulp & Beyond 2026 in Helsinki, where the team engaged with a wide range of stakeholders from the pulp, paper and broader forest‑based bioeconomy industry at stand 5B. Throughout the event, visitors showed strong interest in our solutions to significantly reduce energy consumption and enable CO₂-free drying processes.

Pulp & Beyond 2026 took place at Messukeskus, Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre, with the main exhibition held on 15–16 April 2026 and an international conference day on 14 April. The event once again confirmed its role as the leading Nordic forum for forest‑based bioeconomy, gathering technology providers, mills, researchers, and investors to explore new solutions and business opportunities.​

SteamDry at stand 5B

At stand 5B, the SteamDry team presented how superheated steam drying (SSD) can achieve up to 60% energy savings in the drying process, which corresponds to around 40% energy savings across the entire production line. Discussions with visitors also highlighted growing industry demand for technologies that allow near-complete recovery of latent heat and support the transition toward fully electrified, CO₂ emission-free drying sections in paper and board manufacturing.

SteamDry is designed to support paper and board manufacturers in meeting increasingly increasingly strict climate, energy and competitiveness requirements by combining significantly higher efficiency with low CAPEX and OPEX retrofit options for both existing or new machines. By aligning with EU climate and bioeconomy strategies and key initiatives such as the 2030 Climate Target Plan and REPowerEU, the concept contributes to accelerating the transition away from fossil-based drying while opening new opportunities for technology suppliers.

Highlights from the event

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SteamDry joined Valmet’s “Beyond Circularity” ecosystem closing event in Helsinki

On Thursday 22 January 2026, SteamDry joined Valmet’s “Beyond Circularity: Closing the Circle Together” closing event in Helsinki, Finland, where ecosystem partners gathered to share results from four years of joint circularity and green transition projects. For SteamDry, as part of the Beyond Circularity ecosystem, this was a unique stage to show how superheated steam drying supports electrified, low‑emission paper and board production as part of Valmet’s Beyond Circularity program.​​

Beyond Circularity is Valmet’s multi‑year R&D and ecosystem program aimed at transforming waste and emissions into valuable resources, accelerating the green transition across process industries. The ecosystem brings together hundreds of partners in co‑research and co‑innovation projects, ranging from new recycling concepts and biorefining to resource‑efficient, automated and digitalized industrial processes.​

Together, participants joined SteamDry and the wider ecosystem in celebrating the achievements of Beyond Circularity and planning the next wave of collaboration.

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Wageningen Food & Biobased Research to Present SteamDry at the Technologiekring Paper & Board Seminar

On 19 November 2025, Wageningen Food & Biobased Research (WR) will participate in the Technologiekring Paper & Board event in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands, hosted at the Van der Valk Hotel Apeldoorn – De Cantharel.

This annual seminar brings together professionals, researchers, and industry experts from across the paper and board value chain to exchange knowledge, explore new technologies, and strengthen collaboration toward a more sustainable and innovative future.

Focus on Innovation and Collaboration

Organized by the Natuurvezel Applicatie Centrum, the Technologiekring Paper & Board series highlights key developments in paper and board machines, technologies, and products. The November 2025 edition will focus on innovation, technology, and collaboration as drivers of progress in the sector.

WR’s Contribution: Advancing Energy-Efficient Drying

Joanne Siccama, Researcher in Food Processing Technology at Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, will give a presentation on the SteamDry project.

Drying is among the most energy-intensive processes in industrial production, including in paper and board manufacturing. SteamDry explores advanced steam purification, digital process control, and innovative equipment design to significantly reduce energy consumption and environmental impact.

Joanne Siccama will present the project’s progress, technical challenges, and potential contributions to the paper and board industry’s sustainability goals.

Shaping the Future of Fiber-Based Products

As the paper and board sector advances toward fiber-based, circular solutions, the Technologiekring Paper & Board provides a valuable forum for connecting research, innovation, and industrial practice. Participation in this event supports the broader mission of Wageningen Food & Biobased Research to develop technologies that enable a more resource-efficient, low-carbon manufacturing future.

Event details:
Technologiekring Paper & Board
Dates: 19–20 November 2025
Location: Van der Valk Hotel Apeldoorn – De Cantharel, Apeldoorn, the Netherlands

More information: Technologiekring Paper & Board website

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SteamDry at EUSEW 2025: Advancing Sustainable Drying Technologies for a Greener Europe

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.
  • Witness our pilot plant in action – trough videos.
  • Understand the key benefits of superheated steam drying.

We invite all EUSEW attendees to visit our stand and learn more about how SteamDry is driving sustainable change in the paper industry.

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SteamDry at Eurodrying 2025 – Join Us in Wageningen

We’re pleased to announce that SteamDry will be participating in Eurodrying 2025, held from 6–9 July 2025 in Wageningen, The Netherlands.

Organized by Wageningen University & Research and the Working Party on Drying, this 9th edition of the European Drying Conference will take place on the vibrant international university campus in Wageningen.

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:

For full details and to register, visit: www.eurodrying2025.nl

SteamDry Contributions – Advancing Drying Technology with Research & Industry Collaboration

SteamDry is proud to present three oral contributions at Eurodrying 2025, showcasing the project’s commitment to driving sustainability, energy efficiency, and data-driven innovation in drying technologies. Each contribution represents a collaborative effort between leading research institutions and industry experts from across Europe.

1. Driving Sustainability and Feasibility for Drying Technologies in the Paper, Wood, and Food Industries through Life Cycle Assessment and Techno-Economic Analysis

Presenter: José Luis Ares Sainz, USC

Partner: University of Santiago de Compostela (USC)

Time: 09:30

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

Presenter: Sabrina Dusek, AIT

Partners: Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) & Piller Blowers & Compressors GmbH

Time: 10:00

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

Presenter: Andreas Wolff, BFI

Partners: VDEh-Betriebsforschungsinstitut (BFI), Germany & VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland

Time: 14:50

This presentation introduces a data-driven control system for drying processes in paper production, based on reinforcement learning and active learning 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.

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AIT to Present SteamDry Project at NEFI Conference on Decarbonization in the Paper Industry

NEFI Conference 2024

NEFI Conference 2024

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”.

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AIT to Showcase SteamDry Project at Chillventa 2024

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.

 

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SteamDry at the 19th Netherlands Process Technology Symposium (NPS 19)

SteamDry was represented at the 19th Netherlands Process Technology Symposium (NPS 19), taking place from October 8-9, 2024, at Forum Groningen in Groningen, the Netherlands. The symposium is a leading event for academic and industrial advancements in chemical engineering and sustainable technologies.

Our partner, Felipe de Oliveira, a PhD candidate at the University of Twente’s Sustainable Process Technology group, presented the design of a separation system for a closed-loop superheated steam drying (SHSD) process in the paper industry and won the Best Poster Award among 58 participants. This project is a key part of the SteamDry project, which aims to revolutionize energy efficiency in industrial drying processes.

Presentation Overview:

“Design of a Separation System for the Closed-Loop Superheated Steam Drying Process in the Paper Industry“
Felipe de Oliveira, Edwin Zondervan, Marcel Meinders
(University of Twente and Wageningen University & Research)

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!

It was a pleasure to see you in Groningen!