Technology and Innovation Roadmap "BioHeating and Cooling"

The Roadmap links with the energy research strategy of the Austrian Council for Research. It was developped together with national stakeholders from industry to deduct recommendations for policy makers. It includes clear suggestions for research topics until 2020 and provides an outlook on the contribution of biomass to the heating sector of a decarbonised energy system in 2050.

Solar energy - a significant economic factor

Major goals of this study were determination of the number of jobs provided in the thermal solar energy sector, the added economic value created in this sector and the predicted effects of achieving the goals, in order to better evaluate the economic significance of the use of thermal solar energy.

MeteoR – mechanical-thermochemical process combinations for the recycling of fine fractions from waste treatment facilities

In waste treatment plants large quantities of fine fractions are generated. Due to their heterogeneity and properties, these fractions are currently not used although they contain a whole range of materials that represent valuable resources. The aim of the project MeteoR is to enable the utilization of all components (mineral, metallic, and combustible) of fine fractions by combining mechanical and thermochemical processes, to close material cycles and to significantly contribute to the further development of the Austrian circular economy and the reduction of CO2 emissions.

DeB-AT – Detection and separation of portable batteries from mixed waste using sensor technology and artificial intelligence

The DeB-AT project plans the development of a laboratory or pilot plant demonstrator for the targeted separation of batteries from mixed waste streams. The concept of the demonstrator follows the methodological elaboration of the necessary requirements of optical sensors and the separation technology for AI-supported detection of the general population of batteries.

DiRecT – Direct recycling and upcycling of titanium chips

In the project DiRecT, different new technologies will be developed and evaluated which make it possible to directly recycle the chips generated in the manufacturing process of high-quality titanium products or to produce directly from the chips near-net-shape components or improved semi-finished products (upcycling).

BitKOIN - CO2-reduced binding agent through thermochemical conversion of mineral wool waste combinations

In the BitKOIN project, conceptual, experimental and model research activities are conducted in order to develop a substitute material for ground-granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS). First, mineral wool waste and other mineral residues, which are required as additives to achieve the desired chemistry, are sampled representatively. The materials are then characterized chemically, mineralogically and physically and are additionally classified according to waste regulations. By thermochemical conditioning of the mineral wool waste, combined with the other waste materials, the "Huettensand 2.0" (GGBS 2.0) is developed. The project aims to develop the "Huettensand 2.0" , a durable GGBS substitute.

Hemp Ski, Recyclable ski manufacturing from hemp, bio-resin and waste streams

In industrial production for alpine skis, epoxy resins of fossil origin and pre-impregnated glass fiber reinforcements are processed today. Innovations that replace environmentally critical materials in skis with biogenic substitute materials with an improved environmental balance have so far been limited to the production of small series. This circumstance motivated the consortium to develop a solution for a circular bioeconomy with the HempSki project, which will also make industrial ski production from renewable raw materials and waste streams possible in the future.

PET2More - Biotechnological upcycling of PET plastic waste as a contribution to the gradual reduction of petroleum-based raw material dependency

The aim of the PET2More project is to develop a biotechnological process for upcycling PET plastic monomer waste. To this end, previously unknown and unavailable decarboxylase enzymes for the conversion of terephthalic acid and 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid into valuable chemicals such as benzoic acid and furan-2-carboxylic acid are to be identified, characterized and optimized by means of enzyme engineering.

UPTextIL - Upcycling cellulose from used textiles into high-strength filaments using spinning technology in ionic liquids

The aim of the project is to develop a process for spinning cellulose from used textiles using ionic liquids, to analyze potential impurities in this recycling material stream, and to develop strategies for their removal or avoidance during the spinning process. The project aims to lay the foundations for closing the material cycle of cellulose from used textiles.

AGreeNew - New biobased products of the agricultural biorefinery

AGreeNew aims to expand the product portfolio of the agricultural biorefinery. Sour whey, farm manure and green silage will be used as raw materials to produce biosurfactants, fertilizers and protein-rich animal feed. The production processes of these valuable products will be assessed in terms of sustainability and economic potential.

Circular Economy Compass (KLW-Komp)

The Circular Economy Compass project has developed a responsive online self-assessment tool for the circular economy in SMEs. Based on a theory-based evaluation scheme, it is be possible to determine a company's degree of preparedness for a circular economy at a reasonable cost. To this end, the tool has a computational logic that automatically generates a circularity score (KPI, Key Performance Indicator) based on the answers.

NaKaReMa - Improving the sustainability of cable sheathing through regional, bio-based and recycled materials

The NaKaReMa project takes a holistic approach to cable sheathing for automotive applications and their improvement in terms of sustainability. To this end, various approaches are being investigated - both regional raw material sources to reduce transport routes and bio-based raw materials to reduce dependence on crude oil. The use of recyclates from cable sheathing to close the cycle through recycling is also being investigated.

IEA Tasks & Annexes

Tasks & Annexes from the Technology Programs of the International Energy Agency (IEA)

Financing Models and Strategies for future Energy Infrastructures (FINAMO)

Contribution to decarbonisation 2050: The development of suitable financing models plays a key role when implementing new energy solutions. (Juli 2019)

SCI_BIM - Scanning and data capturing for Integrated Resources and Energy Assessment using Building Information Modelling

The aim of the project is to increase the resources- and energy efficiency through coupling of various digital technologies and methods for data capturing (geometry and materials composition) and modelling (as-built BIM), as well as through gamification.

SUPERBE - Potential of Superblock-concepts as contribution to planning energy-efficient urban quarters

The exploratory study SUPERBE for the first time looks into the applicability and potential effects of Superblock concepts in an Austrian urban context in order to assess their contribution to energy-oriented urban planning.

vilFIT – Villach Fit 4 Urban Mission

In this project, measures, strategies and the necessary capacity building for achieving climate neutrality in the city of Villach will be advanced. The focus is on social and structural innovations (participation processes, development of pilot initiatives, public relations, etc.) as well as the definition of networks and structures or controlling and monitoring instruments.

DiCYCLE - Reconsidering digital deconstruction, reuse and recycle processes using BIM and Blockchain

DiCYCLE aims at identifying, analysing and mapping current End-of-Life processes in the building industry, as well as optimizing those for digitalization, using BIM, Blockchain and Smart Contracts. The goal is to enable sustainable digital planning, construction and deconstruction workflows for reuse and recycling of building materials and components along the life cycle.

EPSolutely - Development of a circular economy concept in the plastics industry using the example of EPS

In a system-wide cooperation of all relevant actors of the EPS value chain system, concepts, technologies and methods for an EPS circular economy are developed. The integration into an overall concept with optimised logistics and transport systems should enable the transformation of linear EPS value creation systems into a circular economy.

PLAISIR - Planning Innovation: Learning form socially innovative energy projects

PLAISIR analyses social innovation in energy projects located in peripheral region in order to understand their role in energy transition processes and to give recommendations for energy-oriented, endogenous regional development policy.