EU Network “Heat4Energy”

Energy production and consumption contribute to over 75% of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions, making the decarbonization of the energy sector essential to achieving the EU’s 2030 climate goals and long-term carbon neutrality by 2050. While solar and wind power will play a major role in the transition, their intermittent nature presents significant challenges in storage and distribution. Meanwhile, vast amounts of low-grade waste heat, continuously generated in data centers, food processing, and industrial sectors, remain largely untapped. Even a modest conversion of this wasted thermal energy into electricity could make a substantial impact—yet cost-effective and efficient solutions are still lacking.

The project aims to advance thermomagnetic energy harvesting at various scales (µW to kW power output) from early-stage concepts to a scalable, efficient, and cost-competitive technology. Our interdisciplinary team, comprising engineers, material scientists, and physicists, addresses key challenges in thermomagnetic generator design and material optimization. By integrating expertise in magnetic materials, advanced fabrication techniques, and multi-scale modeling, we are driving the development of thermomagnetic systems from proof-of-concept (TRL 3/4) to pre-commercial deployment (TRL 6/7). This collaborative effort not only pushes the boundaries of green technology but also fosters an environment for training young professionals in an emerging field. By combining expertise across disciplines, we empower future innovators with the skills needed to accelerate the transition toward a carbon-neutral energy landscape—contributing directly to the EU Green Deal.

HEAT4ENERGY: Link to project Website

Contact

M.Sc. Shaoxiao Nie [Contact]