Demo Workshop: ADC Pilot Factory Showcased Innovative DC Grid Solutions

Around 70 participants took the opportunity on 1 July 2026 to visit the demonstration facility of the Austrian DC Pilot Factory at Fill Maschinenbau in Gurten, Upper Austria. During a dedicated demo workshop, the project consortium presented the latest research findings and innovative solutions for a climate-neutral energy supply of industrial production sites.

The transition towards climate-neutral industry requires new approaches for the efficient use of renewable energy. Under real industrial conditions, the Austrian DC Pilot Factory demonstrates how DC grids, photovoltaic systems and bidirectional electric mobility can be intelligently interconnected to make production facilities more flexible, energy-efficient and sustainable.

As part of the innovation network NEFI – New Energy for Industry, a demonstration facility has been established at Fill Maschinenbau, integrating photovoltaic systems, production equipment and bidirectionally charging electric vehicles within a shared DC grid. The project aims to explore the potential of direct current technologies for industrial applications and to demonstrate their contribution to industrial decarbonisation.

Direct Current as a Key Technology for Industry

At the heart of the demonstration facility is a secure and scalable direct current (DC) grid, directly connecting renewable energy sources with flexible energy consumers. A particular focus is placed on the integration of bidirectionally charging electric vehicles, which can serve not only as means of transportation but also as mobile energy storage systems.

Excess solar energy generated by photovoltaic installations can be stored in vehicle batteries and fed back into the site's energy system whenever required. This helps reduce peak loads, increase the self-consumption of renewable energy and improve grid stability.

In addition, DC grids offer the potential to reduce energy losses compared to conventional AC systems and facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources into industrial processes. The Austrian DC Pilot Factory is therefore generating valuable insights for the future design of energy-efficient and climate-friendly production sites.

Bridging Research and Industrial Practice

The Austrian DC Pilot Factory combines cutting-edge research with industrial implementation. The knowledge and experience gained within the project support companies in making their energy systems more flexible and in using renewable energy even more efficiently.

During the demo workshop, participants received first-hand insights into the demonstration facility, current research results and operational experiences from the project. The programme included expert presentations, project showcases, guided tours of the facility and discussions with specialists from research and industry. The event was organised and moderated by the Upper Austrian Energy Saving Association (OÖ Energiesparverband).

Voices from the Project

Friederich Kupzog, Head of Center for Energy, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology: “With the Austrian DC Pilot Factory, we demonstrate how direct current technologies, photovoltaics and electric mobility can be integrated into an intelligent energy system. The project delivers valuable insights for the industrial energy transition while strengthening Austria’s leading position in innovative energy systems.”

Martin Muik, Research & Development, Fill Gesellschaft m.b.H.: “The Austrian DC Pilot Factory enables us to test and further develop new technologies directly within a real industrial production environment. The collaboration between research and industry creates important foundations for a sustainable industrial energy supply.”

Michael Hübner, Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure (BMIMI): “The demonstration facility clearly illustrates how research, industry and public funding can jointly develop new pathways towards a sustainable energy supply.”

Urban Peyker, Climate and Energy Fund: “The Austrian DC Pilot Factory is an excellent example of how research results can be transferred into industrial practice. Demonstration projects like this are essential for making innovations visible and accelerating their large-scale implementation.”

About the Austrian DC Pilot Factory

The Austrian DC Pilot Factory develops and validates innovative direct current technologies for industrial production sites. The project focuses on the intelligent integration of photovoltaic systems, manufacturing equipment, energy storage and electric mobility within a common DC grid to optimise the use of renewable energy and accelerate industrial decarbonisation.

The project is carried out within the framework of NEFI – New Energy for Industry and is funded by the Climate and Energy Fund under the Austrian flagship programme “Energy Showcase Region” (Vorzeigeregion Energie).

Project Partners

• AIT Austrian Institute of Technology (Project Coordinator)
• Beckhoff Automation GmbH
• Emotion Srl
• FH Upper Austria Research & Development GmbH
• Fill Gesellschaft m.b.H.
• OÖ Energiesparverband
• Smart Cities Consulting GmbH
• STIWA AMS GmbH
• TU Wien – Pilot Factory Industry 4.0

To the press release (in German): Austrian DC Pilot Factory: Advancing Towards a Climate-Neutral Industry with Direct Current

Further information about the project: Austrian DC Pilot Factory - NEFI