Science knows no borders. The EU-funded FunGlass project demonstrates how the expertise of top European partners can breathe new life into a young, aspiring institute. An upgrade of the Centre of Excellence for Ceramics, Glass and Silicate Materials in Trenčín, Slovakia, is delivering not only advanced science, but improved economic and social development in the region.
Whilst the technology for seamlessly integrating photovoltaics into traditional building parts is already there, its cost has so far been enough for landlords and investors to get cold feet. But that could change thanks to innovation under the EU-funded BIPVBOOST project.
Asteroids, comets and meteors are remnants of our cosmic past. Now, EU researchers have pioneered new analytical techniques that could help us better understand what they are made of. What’s more, this information could provide vital insights into the formation and evolution of our solar system.
Reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is a critical element in the fight against climate change. This is why EU researchers have pioneered a novel method of capturing emissions and storing them underground as rock. This could help Europe meet its climate targets.
The industrial sector accounts for nearly a third of energy use in the EU, mostly for heat and thermal processes. Innovative technology developed by the EU-funded ETEKINA project recycles factory heat, lowering environmental impact and running costs. The research supports the EU’s goal of being climate-neutral by 2050.
Solar panels installed over traditional roofs can suffer from weather-related problems and compromise the roof construction. The EU-funded TilePlus project designed new roof tiles with embedded tough photovoltaic cells. This would allow millions of homes across Europe to produce their own energy.
Composite materials are widely used across multiple industries, yet are difficult to recycle. The EU-funded FiberEUse project developed new solutions to reuse composites and recover their residual properties. The developments could make these structural materials more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
With the right innovations, the circular economy can contribute to economic growth while meeting sustainability ambitions. The EU-funded ReCiPSS project demonstrates how manufacturing can achieve this by adopting product-service systems. Moving industry from linear to circular models offers new business opportunities, while minimising waste and environmental damage.
Scientists are working to understand novel fundamental properties of sound to improve acoustic technologies. The EU-funded PHONOMETA project turned to quantum physics to pioneer a new class of acoustic mesoscopic materials. The research could improve our understanding of sound and also lead to new camouflage technologies.
While cement and lime are essential to modern life, unfortunately the manufacturing process unavoidably releases large amounts of CO2. The EU-funded LEILAC project has been developing cutting-edge technology to efficiently capture these emissions at a low cost. This will help to decarbonise a critically important industrial sector and contribute towards cleaner air for all citizens to enjoy.
