# Decarbonizing European Industry: A Novel Technology to Heat Supply Using Waste and Renewable Energy
## 7 Conclusions  
The SUSHEAT system addresses the main technological challenges associated with developing key components for a new generation of greatly efficient industrial heat upgrade systems, utilizing renewable energy sources, waste heat recovery, and ambient heat. The SUSHEAT system includes an HTHP, a bio-inspired PCM TES system, and a CIT system. This study assesses the potential application of the SUSHEAT project concept to lower carbon emissions in the heat demand of the European industry. The classification of heat demand into temperature ranges as low, low-medium, medium, and high-temperature served as the basis for assessing the technical potential of HTHP systems to provide low-carbon heating for industrial processes. This study provides thermal demand profiles for two main use cases, namely Mandrekas and Pelagia industries, outlining their heating requirements, design specifications, and operating limits. The innovative SUSHEAT concept designs were introduced, providing adaptable solutions to address the heat requirements of the European industry. Potential industrial sectors for the use of the SUSHEAT system include food and beverages, plastics, desalination, textiles, ceramics, pulp and paper, wood products, canned food, agricultural products, mining, desalination, and chemistry sectors. The results depicted that the total heat demand for the EU28 amounted to 1600 TWh. In addition, the allocation of energy consumption across 13 industrial sectors in 2016 amounted to 3217.85 TWh, with an estimated value of potential for waste heat reaching 336.9 TWh. The results showed that the total theoretical potential is 134.92 TWh. Furthermore, the SUSHEAT concept of heat pump technology can transform a considerable portion of the surplus waste heat potential into heat for industrial processes, estimated at 47 TWh. For these specified industrial sectors, the industrial heat demand was quantified in the temperature range of 150 \({}^{\circ}\)C to 250 \({}^{\circ}\)C, which is achievable by the SUSHEATsystem. The SUSHEAT system could reduce GHG emissions by up to 19.4 million tonnes per year (excluding solar energy contributions), using the EU's 2020 emissions intensity and natural gas benchmarks, significantly aiding the EU industry's 2050 net-zero GHG targets. However, combining different renewable energy sources with existing plant waste energy and incorporating a thermal storage energy system present a promising strategy for managing energy flows, enhancing available heat, and optimizing resource dispatchability. By analyzing the specific heat requirements of various European industries, the research identifies sectors that can benefit most from the SUSHEAT system. This targeted approach enables more effective implementation strategies tailored to industry needs. In addition, by aligning with European decarbonization targets, the study not only addresses immediate industrial heat requirements but also contributes to broader climate goals. This alignment enhances the relevance of the research in the context of global sustainability efforts. In other words, the comprehensive information presented here invites a thorough exploration of the potential of the SUSHEAT to contribute significantly to the decarbonization of heat demand in the European industrial landscape. The findings set a foundation for future research on similar technologies and their applications in other regions or sectors, promoting further exploration into efficient heat supply solutions that leverage renewable and waste energy sources. Conceptualization, J.D.M., A.R. and R.B. ; methodology, J.D.M., I.G., A.R. and R.B. ; writing--original draft preparation, J.D.M. and I.G. ; writing--review and editing, J.D.M., I.G., A.R. and R.B. ; interpretation of the data, J.D.M. and R.B. ; Project administration, R.B. and A.R. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript. This work was funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme under Grant Agreement Number 1011035552 (SUSheAT).