Cross-Factory Production and Energy Optimization

Abstract

FOREWORD NEFI INNOVATION NETWORK INNOVATING TOGETHER: PAVING THE PATH TO CLIMATE NEUTRALITY The path to achieving a climate neutral industry in Austria by 2040 is ambitious: it necessitates a transformative approach to the industrial energy system, interdisciplinary research & technology development and innovative policies aligned with both national and European climate objectives. Reaching this transition presents significant challenges, particularly given the limited timeframe to implement the necessary societal, political, and technological changes. However, these challenges also present a unique opportunity to reshape the industrial energy landscape of the future. In this context, the 3rd NEFI Conference serves as a vital platform for dialogue and exchange among stakeholders from academia, research, industry, policy and politics. This year’s conference not only showcases recent advancements in the transformation of the industrial energy system, but also addresses the critical societal, political, and technological challenges – both nationally and internationally – that must be addressed to realise our shared vision of a climate neutral future. The innovation network NEFI New Energy for Industry, funded by the Austrian Climate and Energy Fund in collaboration with the regions of Styria and Upper Austria, stands as a beacon of applied research and development of practical solutions in addressing the complexities of realizing climate neutrality within the industrial sector. By providing practical and scalable solutions, NEFI demonstrates how climate action can not only reinforce Austria's long-term position as a robust industrial location, but also demonstrate the global applicability of comprehensive technologies developed under the “Made in Austria” brand. Over the past six years, NEFI has successfully fostered a robust innovation ecosystem comprising approx. 120 partners from industry, research and public institutions, in 24 sub-projects. This collaborative effort has led to the successful initiation and execution of numerous research and innovation initiatives, catalysing an impressive investment volume of approximately €95 million. Building upon this momentum, NEFI has now initiated the NEFI+ Innovation Laboratory. It is funded by the RTI Initiative for Transforming Industry of the Climate and Energy Fund and the regions of Styria and Upper Austria, thereby enabling NEFI to pursue its mission towards a climate neutral industry. NEFI+ acts as a catalyst for the development of cutting-edge prototype applications that will demonstrate measurable impacts on the climate neutrality of the industrial sector. NEFI+ connects key stakeholders along critical technology pathways and focuses its work in six thematic innovation hubs: Electrification and Energy Efficiency, Flexibilization, CO2-Neutral Gases and Hydrogen, Carbon Capture and Storage, Circular Economy, and Industrial Symbiosis.