G-TECH builds the future of renewable thermal energy in Flanders
(01-06-2025) On 11 June 2025, the foundation stone of G-TECH - the Ghent Thermal Energy Conversion Hub - will be laid at Tech Lane Ghent Science Park, Ardoyen campus.
G-TECH will be a unique test and innovation infrastructure where companies and knowledge institutions can work together on the commercialisation of sustainable thermal energy technologies. This milestone marks the start of the realisation of an open living lab that is an essential lever for the energy transition in Flanders. The laying of the foundation stone on 11 June marks the start of construction of the test hall (2,953 m²), which will include climate chambers, test stands for heat pumps, thermal batteries and organic Rankine cycles.
What is G-TECH?
G-TECH will be a state-of-the-art, open innovation centre facilitating industrial and residential applications of sustainable heat, thermal storage and fuels. The test infrastructure will focus on components and complete systems such as heat exchangers, compressors, heat pumps and engines - in power ranges from 10 to 500 kW. The project is unique in Europe and aims at strong economic valorisation through increased energy efficiency, innovation and job creation in the sector.
Strong industrial base
G-TECH is realised by Ghent University as both the project promoter and operator, in close cooperation with spearhead clusters Flux50 and De Blauwe Cluster, and is financed through ERDF investment funds, co-financing from the Province of East Flanders and UGent's own funds. The project is co-sponsored by leading companies such as Daikin, ABC Engines and Atlas Copco, which have been actively involved since its inception. In addition, the project is supported by a broad group of companies that underline the importance of additional innovation infrastructure in this field and are helping to support the G-TECH narrative.
Focus on three strategic pillars
- Sustainable heat production and storage in industry: G-TECH provides testing opportunities for industrial heat pumps and thermal storage solutions needed to replace fossil fuels in industrial processes. Companies can develop and validate new technologies here in real conditions and at scale.
- Sustainable heat solutions for the residential sector: The centre supports the development of safe, PFAS-free heat pump technologies based on natural refrigerants such as propane and CO₂, in response to the large-scale rollout of heat pumps in Europe.
- Renewable fuels for energy and transport sectors: G-TECH facilitates research into the production and efficient deployment of e-fuels such as hydrogen and methanol, crucial for heavy transport and for covering periods of low wind and solar power.