StreamSTEP is a collaborative European project involving 31 organizations from the EU, Switzerland, and the UK, aiming to transform sustainable heating energy management in energy-intensive industries. In response to climate change and international competition, the project seeks to enhance the resilience and competitiveness of European process industries while progressing toward climate neutrality.
The initiative focuses on significantly improving how industrial processes handle heating energy by recovering and efficiently reusing 50% to over 90% of waste heat across temperature ranges from 135°C to over 1,400°C. This will be achieved by deploying five innovative heat exchanger prototypes designed for challenging applications and flexible operation across multiple heat sinks. High-temperature heat pumps will upgrade heat to outlet temperatures of 150°C and 215°C, utilizing ejector technology for dynamic operation across various temperature requirements.
Powered by advanced manufacturing techniques and novel material alloys, the system will be demonstrated in five key sectors: non-ferrous metals, ceramics, minerals, plastics, and refining. The project is supported by resources aimed at reducing investment risks and accelerating commercialization. A holistic process digital twinning pipeline will provide the infrastructure for optimization, addressing energy balance, intermediary storage, greenhouse gas avoidance, and data-driven life cycle assessments.
With expected payback periods of less than three years and additional benefits like increased productivity and energy flexibility, StreamSTEP aims to substantially reduce waste heat and contribute to the sustainability and competitiveness of Europe's energy-intensive industries.
Funding
Contact persons
Matti Vilkko
Professor, head of unit
Matti Vilkko