In the framework of an agreement between the Renewable Energy Innovation Fund (REIF) and the renowned Danish technology institute dedicated to applied research (DTI), Uruguay received the visit of PhD Joaquín Aguilera Prado during the third week of June.. This leading international expert brought his knowledge and experience with heat pumps for steam generation at industrial level, to analyze local industrial processes and guide technicians and consultants in the incorporation of this technological alternative.

These activities are part of REIF's contribution to the development of knowledge and technology transfer, allowing national companies to learn about international experiences and evaluate their adoption. 

The REIF (Renewable Energy Innovation Fund) program is an initiative of the United Nations and the government of Uruguay, which, together with commercial banks, co-finances private investments in technology and infrastructure for the Second Energy Transition. In addition, REIF provides technical assistance to projects for the incorporation and implementation of technologies, the inclusion of the gender perspective, and the measurement and reporting of project and company impact.

During his week in Uruguay, Aguilera gave 4 presentations specially targeted to various stakeholders, including technicians, academics, government representatives and industry. These sessions allowed a direct exchange on the technical and practical aspects of heat pumps, highlighting success stories and implementation opportunities, as well as evaluating the regulatory framework, and possible strategies to promote the adoption of the technology. ESCOs, advisors, representatives of government institutions such as MIEM, URSEA, ANII and the state energy company UTE participated in the various instances. Researchers from academia and companies and trade union leaders from various industrial sectors also participated in the activity carried out together with the Chamber of Industries of Uruguay.

In turn, technical visits were made to five selected industrial plants, previously identified for their potential to adopt this innovative technology, in order to explore possible projects that are economically viable and have a significant impact on emissions reduction.

We visited local industries such as Coca-Cola Femsa, Frigorífico Centenario, Bader International, Conaprole and ANCAP, whom we thank for their interest and commitment to innovation towards sustainability.

Mission conclusions

This successful mission, which mobilized around 100 people, reaffirms the industry's commitment to innovation and the exploration of more sustainable alternatives.

The exchanges were promising, with great interest from the participants to learn more about a technology already commercially available in Europe and its possible application to replace fossil fuel generation in the national industry.

Some of the conclusions we can draw from these exchanges are as follows: 

- High-temperature heat pumps have great potential, both economically and for the decarbonization of industry.

- Technology developments are focused on process heating with water vapor temperatures up to 250 ºC. 

- Rapid adoption of the technology is expected by 2025 to 2030, with systems validated and under demonstration, depending on demand needs. 

- There are a variety of technologies and manufacturers needed to offer competitive solutions. 

The realization of the first cases in Uruguay requires the generation of market deployment:

- A holistic analysis, with process integration and decarbonization strategies as a key factor for optimal performance 

- Multidisciplinary and cross-sectoral research and development to exploit the potential of the technology 

- To follow a path of development of technology suppliers, and to know the existing options, for the analysis of projects that present potential and to validate the suitability. 

- To learn about the regulations and regulatory framework to remove barriers to adoption, and eventually analyze promotional measures associated with emissions reduction and energy efficiency.  

REIF hopes to continue contributing to the decarbonization of the economy, not only by supporting the implementation of projects with flexible financing adapted to specific needs, but also by facilitating cooperation between institutions and technology transfer.

Download the presentations used:

DTI_(technology) Decarbonization of industrial processes using heat pumps

DTI_(academia) Decarbonization of industrial processes using heat pumps

DTI_(users) Decarbonization in industrial processes using heat pumps

DTI_(government) Decarbonization in industrial processes using heat pumps