RE-WITCH Project Utilizes Waste Heat for Industrial Cooling

A major European initiative is developing cost-effective cooling and heating systems that use industrial waste heat. The Horizon Europe-funded RE-WITCH program aims to decarbonize sectors with high energy demands. Twenty-six European organizations collaborate on this project. They focus on adsorption and absorption cooling technologies. These systems convert low-grade waste and renewable heat into usable cooling. Early results suggest the technologies are compact and economically viable. The project addresses regulatory hurdles to speed up market adoption. It also supports policy integration for wider implementation. Four industrial sites across Europe will host pilot demonstrations. These include a brewery in Poland, a Spanish dairy cooperative, a Greek biofuels producer, and an Italian paper mill. Each site will showcase the practical application of waste heat recovery. RE-WITCH seeks to advance sustainable industrial practices. This aligns with Europe's energy security and climate goals. The program's success could significantly reduce industrial energy consumption.