Potential for industrial energy clustering in Europe (EU – DG ENER; 2025). PIECE

Overview

PIECE is a direct ECM collaboration with EU DG ENER on the potential for energy clustering and flexibility to support the low-carbon transition in industry, framed by a master’s thesis project in an Erasmus exchange with the University of Nantes in France. In a first step the low-carbon energy potential across Europe is evaluated using public databases such as ENSPRESO and EMHIRES from the EU Joint Research Centre, as well as the industrial demand based on AIDRES scenarios and input from the project's industry advisory board. Both supply and demand are integrated in a cluster-based approach, which serves as basis to map the potential in Europe and target the most relevant regions through case studies. The selected industrial hubs are assessed for challenges and opportunities to adopt low-carbon energy in a competitive cluster environment. The project results in support for industrial stakeholders and policymakers to advance towards a net-zero European industrial tissue.

Objective

The main objective of this master’s thesis project is to investigate how to reduce emissions in energy-intensive industry by clustering energy demand and providing low-carbon energy solutions while advancing industrial competitiveness in Europe.

Team

prof. dr. ir. Greet Van Eetvelde
Thijs Duvillard
Nienke Dhondt (Phd researcher)