The EEETHOS project, led by the DLR Institute of Low-Carbon Industrial Processes, aims to significantly decarbonize industrial process heat and thus make a major contribution to achieving the 2030 climate targets. The initiative focuses on comprehensive electrification and greater energy efficiency in order to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, expand the use of locally generated renewable energy, and at the same time strengthen the competitiveness of European industry.
While proven solutions such as industrial heat pumps are already available for low-temperature process heat up to around 150 degrees Celsius, there is still considerable innovation needed for higher-temperature applications. This is where EEETHOS comes in.
The project is developing novel high-temperature heat pumps capable of supplying steam at up to 200 degrees, as well as a reversed Brayton heat pump that can achieve flow temperatures of up to 300 degrees. In addition, the project is working on heat pump–based drying technologies and systems for heating mineral raw materials. A steam compression–based drying solution and devices for recovering radiant waste heat, optimized through digital twins, complete the technology portfolio.
Practical demonstration for cross-industry application
The practical feasibility of these approaches will be demonstrated in five industrial-scale pilot plants (TRL 7), representing energy-intensive sectors such as asphalt, ceramics, pulp and paper, brick, and steel. These systems are designed to be scalable to entire production sites. According to project estimates, the technologies could enable energy savings of between 43 and 86 percent while achieving full decarbonization through the use of locally sourced renewable energy.
Digitization, modeling, and new business models boost efficiency
Beyond the technological innovations, EEETHOS places a strong emphasis on digital and model-based approaches. Digital twins, standardized processes, life-cycle assessments, and techno-economic evaluations will be integrated into the project. Furthermore, new business models are being developed to help industry build resilience, ensure long-term competitiveness, and accelerate the path toward climate neutrality. In this way, the project aims not only to deliver technological breakthroughs but also to create the structural and economic conditions necessary for a sustainable transformation of industrial processes.
