NEFI Conference 2024: Innovating together: Paving the Path to Climate Neutrality

The international NEFI scientific conference is aimed at national and international decision-makers from politics, industry and businesses, providing a unique platform for intensive exchange on the transformation of the industrial energy system.

The NEFI Innovation Network is hosting the third scientific conference on the transformation of the industrial energy system on October 24th and 25th, 2024. During the two-day international event in the heart of Vienna, not only will the challenges on the path to transforming the industrial energy system be discussed, but concrete solutions based on research results from NEFI projects will also be presented.

Decarbonising and transforming the industrial energy system is a significant contribution to achieving national and European climate goals. The rapid transition to renewable energy and simultaneous increase in energy efficiency entail great efforts for domestic industry. However, the greatest challenge, given the current energy crisis, is the limited time to implement societal, political and technological changes.

Key Topics of the Conference

The NEFI Innovation Network focuses on the following thematic priorities to discuss the path to a carbon-neutral industry with decision-makers from politics, industry and research:

• Circular Economy, CCU/S, CO₂ neutral gases & green hydrogen, Electrification, Flexibilisation, Industrial symbiosis and energy efficiency, Legislation, Policy & Business Models
• Presentation of Scientific Contributions
• Awarding of the Young Scientist Award

Note: Abstract Submission Deadline: May 31st, 2024.

For participation and presentation at the conference, it is necessary to be registered as a participant and to pay the conference fee. The participation fee is €210 (excl. VAT). Registration for participation in the NEFI conference is now open: Register now.

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When:
October 24th/25th, 2024

Where:
MuseumsQuartier, Museumsplatz 1, A-1070 Vienna, Austria

Call for Abstracts

We cordially invite you to submit contributions on the following topics:

• Alternative materials & material efficiency

This topic focuses on the use of alternative materials to reduce emissions and enhance material efficiency in industrial processes. Submissions showcasing alternative or secondary raw materials or fuels, recycling methods, and technologies in industrial processes that increase material efficiency, conserve resources or minimise waste, are particularly relevant.

• Circular Economy

This topic focuses on creating a more sustainable, closed-loop system that reduces environmental impact and fosters economic resilience. Circular economy in industrial processes involves not only the efficient use of resources, recycling of materials and implementing more effective waste management strategies but also redesigning products and processes for greater sustainability and encouraging the reuse of materials wherever possible. Contributions presenting innovative approaches to waste prevention, resource efficiency and recycling of materials are highly welcome.

• CCU/S

This topic centres technologies and processes for capturing, utilising, and storing hard-to-abate CO₂ emissions from different industrial processes. The goal is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and contribute to climate neutrality. Submissions dealing with the development and application of CCU/S technologies, including their economic and ecological aspects, are welcome.

• CO₂ neutral gases & green hydrogen

This area focuses on advancing the development, generation and application of CO₂-neutral gases, such as green hydrogen, bio-CH4 or Syn-CH4, as alternatives to fossil fuels. These gases play a crucial role in reducing process-related and high-temperature heat-related greenhouse gas emissions across various sectors. We are particularly interested in research papers addressing the production, storage, utilisation and infrastructure development of green hydrogen and other renewable gases.

• Electrification

Electrification refers to a key strategy in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions within various industrial sectors. This involves for instance a shift from fossil fuels to electrical energy in high-temperature heating applications and enhancing energy efficiency through the implementation of new technologies such as heat pumps and electric batteries. Electrification requires inventive methods to seamlessly integrate electrical systems into industrial processes, transportation, and building infrastructure. Contributions examining the transition to electrical energy sources and the associated challenges and opportunities are welcome.

• Flexibilisation

Flexibilisation involves enhancing the adaptability of energy and production systems to accommodate fluctuating energy sources and demand. This includes innovative solutions for energy storage and demand-responsive utilisation, as well as the efficient design of production processes. We are interested in contributions that examine flexible systems and technologies in various industrial contexts.

• Industrial symbiosis and energy efficiency

This topic accentuates the synergy between industrial symbiosis and energy efficiency, emphasising how collaborative strategies in energy and material exchange result in enhanced energy efficiency and reduced material consumption. It focuses on the role of targeted policies and measures that not only boost energy efficiency but also generate socio-economic benefits, thereby gaining wider public support and facilitating the adoption of the best available technologies. Focusing on resource optimisation through inter-industry collaboration, this topic aims to enhance energy efficiency in production processes. Submissions should ideally introduce innovative concepts in industrial symbiosis and energy conservation, demonstrating practical applications and scalability in various industrial contexts.

• Systemic innovations: Legislation, Policy & Business Models

To achieve industrial decarbonisation, it is essential to also address non-technologic fields such as regulatory, legal and policy aspects helping to facilitate and accelerate the transformation of industry in an international context. Therefore, this topic focuses on energy markets and infrastructure policy related to transformation of industry, as well as latest developments and strategies, i.e. regarding carbon and hydrogen management. Furthermore, innovative solutions regarding financing mechanisms and business models fostering the implementation of net-zero technologies in industry are covered by this field.

We invite researchers and industry professionals that offer new insights, innovative approaches, and practical solutions to enhance climate neutral industrial energy systems. Join us in this endeavour to transform the future of energy efficiency and decarbonisation in the industrial sector.

We look forward to your contributions and to advancing the collective effort in decarbonising the industrial energy system.

Submission of abstracts and full papers

If your abstract successfully undergoes the initial review, you are eligible for submitting an optional full paper to the Springer Energy, Sustainability and Society Journal. Please note that the journal has unique layout and style guidelines. Following the optional submission, your full paper will undergo a second peer-review process. If your contribution receives a positive evaluation and is accepted for publishing in the special issue “New Energy for Industry 2024”, please be aware that an Article Processing Charge (APC) according to the journal fee structure will be applied. For further details, kindly refer to the journal's website.

Please note that all submitters of abstracts must register for participation in the NEFI Conference at our website.

Submission Guidelines

Submissions should adhere to the following guidelines:

• Originality: Papers must present original research or developments that have not been published previously.
• Relevance: Submissions should be directly relevant to one or more of the conference topics
• Format: Papers should follow the specified format and submission guidelines, which will be provided on the conference website.
• Peer Review: All submissions will undergo a peer-review process coordinated by the Springer Guest Editor, Prof. Thomas Kienberger, and conducted by experts of the NEFI scientific board.

Important Dates

• Abstract Submission Deadline: May 31st, 2024
• Notification of Acceptance: August 19th, 2024
• Call for Full Paper: August 19th, 2024
• Conference Dates: October 24th – 25th, 2024
• Full Paper Submission Deadline: October 31st, 2024

Contact Information

For more information and to submit your paper, please contact our conference team at office@nefi.at.

Important Links

Springer Energy, Sustainability and Society Journal

Fee Structure Springer Journal