On Friday 22nd May, the European Commission unveiled the list of the 65 winning projects from the Innovation Fund Heat Auction (also called “Industrial Decarbonisation Bank”). These include two decarbonisation projects involving solar thermal technology (REHEAT-CONESA and PHOENIX), both in Spain. Commissioner Hoekstra highlighted that “the projects span technologies from heat pumps and solar thermal to electric resistance heating.” This recognition of solar thermal energy’s contribution to decarbonising industry in Europe is exactly the kind of political signal the sector needs.
Indeed, the decarbonisation of industry will be achieved through a mix of technologies, including solar thermal energy. The result of this first auction is therefore a positive sign, but it is only the first step towards the widespread adoption of solar heat for industrial processes, ranging from food and beverage to chemicals.
The European Commission is now set to launch a new €1bn auction, for which the consultation process has already begun. Solar Heat Europe notes a positive development in the terms and conditions of this new auction, as there is no longer an award for full decommissioning; this leaves the door open to more solar thermal projects, as first steps towards full decarbonisation of industrial processes.
The next step in this new auction is the stakeholder workshop, which will take place on Tuesday 7th July between 9:30 and 13:30: https://climate.ec.europa.eu/citizens-stakeholders/events/innovation-fund-webinar-public-consultation-and-stakeholder-workshop-upcoming-if26-heat-auction-2026-07-07_en.