NEFI Impact Report Highlights Significant Potential: Industrial Co₂ Emissions Could Be Reduced by up to 53 Per Cent by 2040

The NEFI Impact Report 2018–2026, presented at the NEFI conference, takes stock of eight years of innovation work and highlights the potential of Austrian solutions for industrial transformation. If the solutions developed within NEFI are consistently implemented and scaled up, up to 53 per cent of expected industrial CO₂ emissions could be avoided by 2040. At the same time, the need for fossil fuel imports could be reduced by up to 26 per cent – a significant contribution to climate protection, competitiveness and security of supply.

Investments and innovations that make a difference

• 55 projects in the NEFI network
• 110 million euros in funding
• 275 million euros in catalysed investment

“NEFI demonstrates how collaborative innovation drives industrial solutions forward. Cooperation between research, industry and policy-makers lays the foundation for putting new technologies into practice and combining climate neutrality with competitiveness,” says Bernhard Gahleitner, NEFI consortium coordinator at the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology.

From pilot plant to industrial implementation

The transformation pathways outlined in the report are based on solutions that have been developed and tested in NEFI pilot and demonstration projects. These include the electrification of industrial processes and efficiency improvements, increased flexibility and sector coupling, renewable gases, carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCU/S), as well as the circular economy and industrial symbiosis. The identified savings potential requires suitable framework conditions and consistent implementation.

“The Impact Report not only shows what NEFI has achieved in recent years, but also the potential that innovative technologies can unlock for the entire industry. It is crucial to scale up successful solutions,” emphasises Thomas Kienberger, Head of the NEFI+ Innovation Lab.

Strengthening competitiveness and security of supply

The results underscore that the transformation of industry is also a matter of competitiveness. Investment in climate-friendly technologies can open up new market opportunities and reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports. This makes industrial transformation a key factor in the long-term resilience of the region as a business location.

“It is crucial to get as many industrial companies as possible on board with the transformation. In Upper Austria, we want to mobilise companies of all sizes and also inspire young people to help shape the industry of the future,” says Christiane Egger, member of the NEFI Network Steering Committee.

What is needed now

In order to realise the identified potential, reliable political framework conditions are needed, along with targeted support for research and innovation, as well as additional demonstration and investment projects that accelerate the transfer of successful solutions into industrial practice.

“Industrial transformation can only succeed if we work together. NEFI brings together companies, research organisations and public sector stakeholders so that knowledge can be shared, innovative solutions further developed and successfully put into practice,” explains Dorian Wessely, a member of the NEFI Network Steering Committee.

Conclusion

The NEFI Impact Report highlights the opportunities offered by the collaborative development and implementation of innovative technologies. The findings provide a basis for driving forward the next steps towards a climate-neutral, competitive and resilient Austrian industry.

Report and details: Impact Report