Can the heat that ceramics need come from electricity instead of gas? The question matters: process heat, the extreme temperatures used to melt, fire and calcine materials, accounts for nearly three-quarters of CO₂ emissions from EU industry. The furnaces built in the next few years will stay in operation for decades.

This issue brings new evidence that the electric alternative is within reach:

• A first for frit: the eLITHE furnace has melted ceramic frit at close to 1,500 °C using electricity alone.
• Waste that stores heat: clinker and roof tiles withstood more than 300 hours at 800 °C, a promising sign for their use in thermal energy storage.
• A window that won't stay open: experts explain why decisions on industrial heat cannot wait.
• Where the technology stands: join our upcoming webinar to see how far each eLITHE technology has come, and register now.

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Our progress

eLITHE demonstrates 100% electric ceramic frit melting at close to 1,500 °C

For the first time, the eLITHE furnace has melted ceramic frit, the base of tile and sanitaryware glazes, without any natural gas. It met its 25 kg/h target and was validated at close to 40 kg/h. The next step is an industrial-scale design with ten times the capacity.

Testing waste at 800 °C: ceramic materials for high-temperature energy storage

Can ceramic waste store heat? KTH and the University of Genoa put eight materials through more than 300 hours at 800 °C. Clinker came out on top, followed by roof tiles.

Electrifying industrial heat: a window that won't stay open

The technology is increasingly ready, but grid access, energy costs and slow demand are holding it back. Journalist Alasdair Sandford explores why decisions on industrial heat cannot wait.

Coming soon

Join our webinar: electrifying high-temperature heat in ceramics – where the technology stands

How close are electric kilns, smelters and burners to industrial use? Join the eLITHE team for a 90-minute update on our four electrification technologies, with the latest findings on thermal storage and on the cost gap with fossil-fired heat.

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