An innovative solar energy project being developed in Greece by German-based Protarget is among seventeen small-scale pilot projects selected for funding support through the European Commission’s Innovation Fund.

The project, named Sunbrewed, concerns the development of a customized solar thermal system in combination with a steam accumulator at a brewery, the initiative’s aim being to fully cover the facility’s fluctuating energy needs for production and preserve the availability, at all times, of thermal energy through storage technology.

In addition, as stated in the project’s analysis, renewable and decarbonized heat generated by the system promises to enable a reduction in heavy fuel oil consumption and CO2 emissions.

The project is one of seven selected for the Innovation Fund’s renewable energy category. These seven projects will receive an overall sum of 24.4 million euros from the Innovation Fund, supporting a total of 17 projects with provisions totaling 65 million euros.

Each of the 17 projects is expected to receive funding ranging from 1.6 million to 4.5 million euros, funds stemming from the EU Emission Trading System. Exact amounts to be awarded to each project will be established once the selection procedure has been finalized.

The selected projects cover a wide range of sectors with a particular focus on the manufacture of materials and equipment related to renewable energy, glass, ceramics and building materials. The list also includes projects in the domains of energy storage, iron, steel, refineries, chemicals, cement, lime and hydrogen.

This financial support, the European Commission has noted, will help companies in Europe, including small-scale enterprises, bring innovative technologies to market for energy-intensive industries, renewable energy and energy storage.

Protarget is active globally in the field of innovation with a range of applications concerning industrial-scale solar thermal technology.