EXERGY SPA

Their core work

EXERGY SPA is a Bologna-based engineering company specializing in Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) turbomachinery and advanced thermodynamic power cycles. Their core business is designing and manufacturing turbines that convert low- and medium-grade heat — from industrial waste heat, geothermal sources, biomass, or concentrated solar — into electricity. In EU research projects, they contribute industrial turbine design expertise and deep knowledge of working fluid thermodynamics, acting as the industrial partner that grounds academic research in real-world machine constraints. Their recent work on supercritical CO2 and CO2-blend working fluids signals an active move toward next-generation power cycle technologies for high-efficiency solar thermal plants.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

EXERGY's first H2020 involvement (ORC-PLUS, 2015–2019) placed them in the established ORC space, working on prototype systems linked to thermal storage — a direct extension of their commercial turbine business. By 2019, their focus shifted decisively toward supercritical CO2 cycles and CO2-blend working fluids for solar power applications (SCARABEUS), a field that pushes beyond conventional ORC into higher-temperature, higher-pressure territory. The trajectory is clear: from proven industrial ORC technology toward next-generation thermodynamic cycles that could reshape how concentrated solar plants convert heat to power.

EXERGY is moving from conventional ORC turbines toward supercritical CO2 and mixed-fluid cycles — making them a relevant partner for any consortium tackling high-efficiency solar thermal, next-generation geothermal, or advanced waste-heat power conversion.

How they like to work

EXERGY never leads projects — both of their H2020 participations were as partner or third party, indicating they prefer to contribute technical depth rather than manage consortia. Despite only two projects, they have accumulated 18 unique partners across 8 countries, which suggests they are embedded in active, well-connected research networks rather than isolated bilateral collaborations. This profile — specialist industrial contributor in multi-partner consortia — is typical of technology companies that use EU research to extend their R&D without diverting management bandwidth.

EXERGY has worked with 18 unique consortium partners across 8 countries through just two projects, indicating involvement in mid-to-large European consortia. Their geographic spread is European, consistent with Horizon 2020 energy research networks.

What sets them apart

EXERGY SPA occupies an unusual position as a commercial ORC turbine manufacturer that actively participates in frontier EU research — bridging the gap between laboratory thermodynamics and deployable industrial machines. Most research consortia in the ORC and supercritical CO2 space are dominated by universities and research institutes; EXERGY brings the commercial reality check that helps translate research into viable products. For a consortium building toward TRL 5–7 in advanced power cycles, they offer both technical credibility and a realistic path to market.

Highlights from their portfolio

• SCARABEUS
  This is EXERGY's most substantive EU research role — a funded participant in a large IA project targeting efficiency breakthroughs in concentrated solar power through supercritical CO2 and novel fluid blends, directly aligned with their strategic R&D direction.
• ORC-PLUS
  Their entry into H2020 as a third party in an ORC-plus-storage prototype project confirms their long-standing industrial ORC expertise and their willingness to engage EU research even in non-funded support roles.