Amidst a rapidly evolving and highly diverse European industrial landscape, the path to decarbonisation must be driven by a blend of finely tuned solutions and robust engineering choices. Just as the energy mix draws strength from diversity, industrial energy efficiency will advance through multiple, tailored pathways, making the role of EERA’s Joint Programme on Energy Efficiency in Industrial Processes (JP EEIP) all the more crucial in connecting and aligning research organisations and academic institutions from across Europe to advance a resilient and low-carbon industrial future.

In this context, JP EEIP has welcomed its newest member, the University of Pisa (UNIPI), which is set to enhance knowledge exchange and boost shared research opportunities within the wider Joint Programme network.

The University of Pisa, and in particular its research group focused on energy systems and thermal machines, specialises in the optimal design and management of energy systems, as well as the integration of renewables into civil and industrial processes, waste heat recovery, high-temperature heat pumps (HTHPs), thermal and electrical energy storage, and the control of power and thermal generation systems.

Notably, the research group is playing an invaluable role in advancing the Renewable Electric High-temperature Heat Pumps for Thermal Users in Neutral CO₂ Environments (REHP-4-TUNE) project, which investigates the feasibility and performance of an integrated Power-to-Heat and Power-to-Heat-to-Power energy system architecture. Focused on the ceramic sector, the project explores how relevant systems can simultaneously enhance energy efficiency and reduce fossil fuel dependence through advanced numerical modelling supported by experimental expertise.

In this context, the sheer diversity of its widespread, internal competencies enables the university to address topics from multiple angles, ranging from the technical and systemic perspectives to a more application-focused approach, ultimately allowing for enhanced identification of optimal technological pathways for decarbonising industry. Building further, the university holds long-standing ties with several key industrial partners throughout Italy, ensuring its work and impact remain grounded in real-world challenges and opportunities.

Against this backdrop, the new partnership between the University of Pisa and EERA JP EEIP represents more than just scientific collaboration. It showcases a dedication among both institutions to the promotion of deep industrial decarbonisation and the strengthening of innovative, forward-thinking solutions towards this end.  

''Joining the JP offers a unique chance to collaborate with Europe's experts in industrial energy efficiency, accelerating the real‐world deployment of technologies like the high-temperature heat pumps we work on. This partnership amplifies our research impact and strengthens our contribution to Europe’s transition to a climate-neutral industry,'' - Lorenzo Ferrari, Full Professor, University of Pisa – Department of Energy, Systems, Territory and Construction Engineering.

At the European level, JP EEIP not only offers the possibility to benefit from cross-border research, but it also provides UNIPI with the unique opportunity to influence EU policies in the technological field of energy-intensive processes, principally through its policy and technology-oriented publications and briefs.

The need for sustainable and energy-efficient industries has never been so prevalent. Strengthened pan-European collaboration and diversified industrial expertise are what truly boost the Joint Programme’s capacity to drive forward a sustainable, competitive and energy-efficient industrial transformation across Europe.