On 11 October 2024 it took place in Bologna, on the occasion of SAIEa conference organized by ANICAthe national association that brings together industrial excellence in the manufacturing sector professional heating. The focus of the event was on efficiency strategies, energy recovery And decarbonization of thermal systemswith particular attention to objectives set by the European Union for 2030 and 2050. The meeting saw the participation of leading companies in the sector, who presented innovative solutions to address energy and environmental challenges.
ANICA represents a group of companies specialized in advanced heating technologies, from condensing solutions to burners, heat pumps and photovoltaic systems. During the conference, the president David Herzog opened the proceedings by underlining the importance of professional heating, especially in the industrial sector and ANICA’s support, in all its activities, for the issues of professional heating and those of renewable thermal and electrical energiesas a privileged path for a sustainable and realistic energy transition in all fields. Herzog also underlined the central role of trainingconsidered essential to prepare the sector for future challenges.
The importance of energy efficiency and decarbonisation
One of the central themes of the event was energy efficiency, energy recovery and decarbonisation of heating systems.
Jacques GandiniSecretary General of ANICA, presented a report in which he highlighted how increasingly stringent environmental regulations and increasing energy costs are pushing companies to invest in advanced technologies to reduce CO emissions2 hey operating costs. Gandini cited data from the International Energy Agency (IEA), according to which the industrial sector is responsible about a quarter of global CO emissions2highlighting the need for radical interventions to align with net zero emissions targets by 2050.
Furthermore, depending on the distribution of energy consumption between different sectors, the heating of buildings is the dominant service in the residential and tertiary sectorswhile the service “process heating” (Process Heating) dominates in the industry and is worth approximately 32% of the total.
Key technologies for the energy transition
During the conference, various innovative technologies were discussed. Heat pumps, in particular, have been described as a key solution for industry, residential and commercial applications.
The technology High Temperature Heat Pumps (HTHP) And Very High Temperature Heat Pumps (VHTHP) is seen as promising, but still under development for temperatures above 100°C. However, the condensing boilers they are already a mature solution, capable of offering significant energy savings.
Therefore, in addition to the conversion of thermal power plants from traditional to condensing, where, depending on the sectors and processes, the HTHP or VHTHP heat pump technology is not applicable efficiently, the integration of automated control and management systems optimizes the operation of condensing boilers, adapting heat production to the real needs of the system and leading to further advantages in terms of limiting CO emissions2 and energy optimization.
Interventions by ANICA member companies
ANICA members presented their technological solutions.
BALTOURa leading Italian company in heating technologies, represented by Andrea Frassinelliillustrated its solutions to support the energy transition in residential and industrial buildings, including: hybrid systemsheat pumps, wall-mounted boilers, thermal modules, air conditioners, burners from 16.6 kW to 50 MW.
Nicola GiacomettiOf WEISHAUPTpresented a speech on geothermal as a solution to reduce CO emissions2 and increase the value of buildings.
HOVALrepresented by Andrea Maffezzolidiscussed the use of predictive digital services to optimize energy consumption in heating systems, underlining the importance of digitalisation in improving energy efficiency.
FERRARO GROUPwith over 40 years of experience in the sector, has presented innovative solutions forthermal storage of technical and domestic water. Romano Vedovotto explained how thermal storage is essential for the integration of renewable energy, improving energy efficiency in residential, commercial and industrial sectors.
Nicola Bettio Of BNY illustrated the development of high temperature heat pumps (HTHP)an innovative technology to improve energy efficiency in industrial processes. These solutions help reduce CO emissions2 and optimize energy consumption, responding to industrial sustainability needs.
Davide Marcati Of AN CHIMNEY presented advanced technologies forhigh performance smoke evacuationcrucial for the efficient and safe management of heating systems. The company highlighted the importance of innovative materials and sustainable solutions, with a focus on condensing boiler applications.
The vision for the future
A crucial point that emerged during the conference was the role of technologies based on renewable energy sources in the future of heating. According to the speakers, the future of heating will no longer be based on the burning of fossil fuels, but rather on the use of technologies such as efficient heat pumps, district heating and district cooling. This change will require a flexibility in adaptation of technologies to the specific needs of buildings, industries and local, regional and national energy networks.
For more information
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From the press release written by Jacques Gandini, Secretary General of ANICA and Rita Guarino, Marketing Consultant of ANICA