Project description
Electrification solutions that can benefit the ceramic industry
The ceramic industry is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Traditional high-temperature processes like melting and firing rely on fossil fuels, exacerbating the industry’s environmental impact. Addressing this challenge is critical, as energy-intensive industries account for a substantial portion of the EU’s carbon footprint. With this in mind, the EU-funded ELITHE project will demonstrate sustainable and cost-effective electrification pathways for these thermal processes. Specifically, three electric furnaces, including a hybrid kiln using electricity and hydrogen, will be piloted. ELITHE will also develop novel material compositions, circular energy storage solutions, and digital tools for efficient energy management. With 18 partners from 9 EU countries, the project targets a reduction of over 97 000 tonnes of CO2 yearly.
Objective
eLITHE aims to support decarbonisation of the ceramic industry through the demonstration of sustainable and cost-effective pathways to electrify high temperature thermal processes (i.e. melting, calcination and firing). This is crucial for the EU to achieve its 2050 target of climate neutrality as energy-intensive industries (EIIs) are responsible for a large portion of greenhouse gas emissions. eLITHE will demonstrate three different electric furnaces (a frit smelter based electrodes and induction, a microwave-powered alumina calciner and a hybrid brick firing tunnel kiln for combined use of electricity and hydrogen burning) at three pilot sites. Besides, eLITHE will develop novel material compositions compatible with the electric heating, research circular materials for their use high temperature energy storage applications and create digital tools to enhance process energy management and enable a safe and sustainable operation. The project consortium consists of 18 partners from 9 EU countries, with diversified expertise and knowledge in the addressed processes. The project will have a significant impact on the clean energy transition of EIIs and will lead to a reduction of over 97,000 tons of CO2 per year and over 505 GWh/yr of natural gas use for a full-scale unit replaced, contributing to reducing EU dependence on fossil-fuels imports. In addition to the direct impact on the clean energy transition of the ceramic industry, eLITHE will also have broader societal and economic impacts. The project will contribute to the development of a sustainable and circular economy, supporting the creation of green jobs and improving the competitiveness of European industries. The project's focus on electrification technologies and renewable energy integration will also contribute to the development of a more resilient and secure energy system for the EU, reducing its dependence on imported fossil fuels.
Fields of science
Keywords
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-IA - HORIZON Innovation ActionsCoordinator
50018 Zaragoza
Spain
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Participants (17)
Legal entity other than a subcontractor which is affiliated or legally linked to a participant. The entity carries out work under the conditions laid down in the Grant Agreement, supplies goods or provides services for the action, but did not sign the Grant Agreement. A third party abides by the rules applicable to its related participant under the Grant Agreement with regard to eligibility of costs and control of expenditure.
50009 Zaragoza
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28006 Madrid
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57001 Thermi Thessaloniki
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45307 ESSEN
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2595 DA Den Haag
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100 44 Stockholm
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16126 Genova
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755 01 Vsetin
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
12100 Castellon De La Plana
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
70569 Stuttgart
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
48970 Basauri Bizkaia
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12110 Alcora Castellon
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151 25 MAROUSI
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46014 Valencia
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1600 604 LISBON
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1050 Bruxelles / Brussel
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
26900 Lodi
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Partners (1)
Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
5242 Birr
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.