Imagine replacing a giant gas oven with a super-powered, industrial-sized microwave that heats materials from the inside out. This technology uses digital twins—like a virtual mirror of the machine—to make sure the heating is perfect every time. It also plugs into a smart grid to use green energy whenever it is cheapest and most available.
Industrial heating accounts for 50% of EU industrial energy use and over 20% of sector GHG emissions. Current fossil-fuel-based furnaces are inefficient and prevent companies from meeting climate neutrality goals.
Three industrial prototypes: a microwave plasma torch roller kiln for ceramics, a microwave/hot air tunnel kiln for asphalt, and a microwave/induction cylindrical furnace for aluminium.
If you are a manufacturer dealing with high gas bills and carbon taxes — this project developed a roller kiln using microwave plasma torches that can boost productivity by 19%. This shift helps reduce the heavy reliance on fossil fuels for high-temperature firing.
If you are a producer dealing with inefficient heating of bitumen — this project developed a tunnel kiln combining microwaves and hot air. This allows for better process controllability and contributes to a target of 95,000 tonnes of CO2 savings.
If you are a plant manager dealing with energy-intensive melting processes — this project developed a cylindrical furnace using microwaves and induction heating. This system aims to help achieve a total energy reduction of 420 GWh by 2032.
Based on available project data, specific pricing for the units is not provided, but the project targets total revenues of more than 230M€ by 2032.
The technology is being demonstrated at TRL6, meaning it is being tested in industrial environments for ceramics, asphalt, and aluminium sectors.
Based on available project data, specific licensing terms are not mentioned, though the project emphasizes open science and capacity building.
The systems are designed to be powered via a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) configuration to maximize the use of renewable energy sources.
The project runs from 2024 to 2027, with the primary economic and environmental targets set for achievement by 2032.
The consortium is heavily weighted toward industrial application, with 11 industry partners (55% of the group), including 9 SMEs. This strong industrial presence, combined with 6 research centers and 2 universities across 9 countries, suggests a high focus on commercial viability and practical deployment rather than pure academic research.
Contact Instituto Tecnologico de Aragon for technical specifications on microwave prototypes.
Contact us to connect with the METAWAVE consortium for pilot implementation.
