Advanced Strategies for the Decarbonisation of Industrial Thermal Processes

Dear Colleagues,

According to the International Energy Agency, the industrial sector is responsible for 29% of the global energy consumption [1], corresponding to approximately 20% of greenhouse gas emissions in the EU-28 [2]. A significant part of the industrial energy demand is related to thermal processes, which leads to a considerable amount of heat waste. In this sense, there is a relevant potential to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impacts in the industrial heat production and consumption, for which different strategies may be addressed to decarbonize the thermal processes. With the prospect of improving the energy efficiency of industrial thermal processes, several sets of advanced strategies have been identified, namely waste heat recovery strategies, process integration, and energy management, among others. Numerous solutions have been proposed to decarbonize thermal processes, such as the use of renewable energy sources for direct use (e.g., solar thermal systems) in industrial processes or coupled with thermal energy storage systems to overtake intermittency issues. Decarbonization can also be achieved by creating energy synergies between industrial districts and/or the adjacent urban areas, however, existing literature on industrial synergies is mainly focused on material flows, while the energy theme is frequently ancillary. The aim of this Special Issue is to compile advanced strategies to improve performance while reducing energy cost and carbon emission of industrial thermal processes. Authors are encouraged to present innovative research and practices on the above topics in (though not limited to) the following main fields: waste heat recovery strategies, thermal storage technologies in industrial processes, heat and process integration networks, waste heat/cold symbiosis between industries and processes, integration of renewable energy sources into industrial thermal processes, optimization of existing equipment, new efficient technologies, energy management and conservation of energy consumption, and modelling and simulation techniques for energy efficiency improvement. It is a pleasure for us to invite you to participate in this Special Issue. Full papers, short communications and reviews are welcome.

[1] International Energy Agency. World Energy Balances 2019.

[2] European Environment Agency. National emissions reported to the UNFCCC and to the EU Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Mechanism. 2019.

Dr. Muriel Iten
Dr. Pedro L. Cruz
Dr. Germilly Barreto
Guest Editors

Mr. Miguel C. Oliveira
Guest Editor Assistant

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• thermal processes
• decarbonisation
• energy efficiency
• waste heat recovery
• thermal energy storage
• process integration
• thermal energy management
• renewable energy integration
• modelling and simulation
• optimization of thermal processes