CleanTech Conference: towards Europe’s clean industrial transformation
Dusan Jakovljevic, representing Energy Efficiency in Industrial Processes and a key partner of the eLITHE project, took part in the recent Cleantech Conference in Brussels, where Europe’s path toward a cleaner industrial future was in the spotlight.
A highlight of the event was the presentation by Kurt Vandenberghe, Director General of the Directorate-General for Climate Action (DG CLIMA). He outlined the Clean Industrial Deal, describing it as a catalyst to reshape Europe’s economic model—strengthening innovation, boosting competitiveness, and reinforcing global leadership. Vandenberghe emphasized the critical role of decarbonising process heat in achieving a sustainable and resilient industrial transition.
Paloma Aba Garrote, Director of the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) underlined how CINEA, through strategic funding and support, empowers clean industrial innovation across sectors such as energy, transport, and energy-intensive industries.
Adding to the discussion, Lara Obst of ClimateChoice, a prominent voice in the Cleantech space, shared strategies to accelerate supply chain decarbonisation. She highlighted three essential pillars for progress: collaboration, artificial intelligence and data infrastructure, and smart climate choices.
The conference also explored the untapped potential of direct electrification, energy storage, and geothermal solutions. Notably, project auctions—introduced as an innovative mechanism under the EU Innovation Fund—are emerging as a dynamic alternative to traditional grant-based funding.
One of the most striking takeaways was the viability of direct electrification across a wide range of industrial sectors, including those previously seen as too complex or capital-intensive. These technologies can reduce reliance on natural gas, offering energy consumption reductions between 5% and 60%, depending on the application—marking a major step toward decarbonising Europe’s industrial backbone.
As the eLITHE project continues its work towards industrial energy efficiency, its presence at the Cleantech Conference reinforces its commitment to a sustainable and climate-resilient future.