Recap: NEFI Technology Talk – Electrification of Industrial Furnaces

The NEFI Technology Talk on June 2^nd,  2026, made one thing clear: the electrification of industrial furnaces is already technologically feasible in many areas, but still faces infrastructural and economic challenges. A total of 45 experts from industry, research and technology development took part in the event.

The introductory survey alone highlighted both the high level of technical expertise and the diversity of perspectives along the industrial value chain – from industrial companies and technology providers to research institutions.

Context and the Role of NEFI

In her keynote, Veronika Wilk (AIT) placed the electrification of industrial high-temperature process heat in both a national and an international context. It became clear that process heat above 200°C accounts for a significant share of industrial energy demand and is still largely supplied by fossil fuels.

The NEFI innovation network provides a structured framework for driving this transformation forward in a targeted way. With a growing project portfolio and a broad partner network, NEFI aims to support the implementation of a climate-neutral industry in Austria by 2040. Key focus areas include electrification, energy efficiency and the integration of renewable energy into industrial processes.

Industrial Applications

A key practical example was the NEFI project GreenBricks, presented by René Pesendorfer (Wienerberger). At the Uttendorf site, the world’s first fully electric tunnel kiln for brick production has been realised. The concept is complemented by the use of heat pumps in the upstream drying process.

The project demonstrates that extensive decarbonisation of industrial heat processes is already technically possible, while also achieving significant energy savings. At the same time, challenges became apparent, particularly with regard to the availability of electrical infrastructure, the development of electricity prices and the service life of key plant components.

With the NEFI project GreenSteel, Christoph Zauner (AIT) presented a systemic approach to the electrification of steel processing. It became clear that industrial transformation extends far beyond individual plants and encompasses the entire energy system.

The analyses show that substantial amounts of fossil energy can be replaced through electrification and efficiency measures. At the same time, this transformation process requires comprehensive adjustments in electricity supply, grid infrastructure and energy storage. Alternative transformation pathways, in particular the use of hydrogen, were also placed in context.

This systemic perspective was subsequently complemented by concrete technological solution approaches.

Technologies and Solution Approaches

In the technological part of the Technology Talk, various approaches to the electrification of high-temperature processes were presented.

Ivan Gonzalez Jimenez (Siemens Energy) presented solutions for the electric heating of industrial applications and for increasing energy efficiency in the steel industry under the title Decarbonisation of Heat and Energy Efficiency in Steel Industry. Particular emphasis was placed on the short-term potential of waste heat integration to improve energy efficiency.

In addition, plasma technology was presented as a promising approach for high-temperature applications. In his presentation Plasma Burners for the Decarbonisation of Industrial Processes, Werner Wiggen (TPS) showed that this technology enables very high process temperatures and opens up new fields of application wherever conventional electric heating systems reach their physical limits. Initial demonstration applications are already under development and are to be further tested under real industrial conditions in the future.

Discussion and Success Factors

In the concluding discussion, the central role of electrification in the decarbonisation of energy-intensive industries was once again emphasised. At the same time, it became clear that scaling depends heavily on the framework conditions.

The key success factors identified were, in particular, competitive electricity prices, a high-performance grid infrastructure, technologically mature and durable plants, as well as stable political and regulatory framework conditions. It was also emphasised that pilot and demonstration projects play a key role in reducing technological risks and gaining practical implementation experience.

Outlook

Austria is also well positioned in the European context in the fields of research and demonstration. However, for broad industrial implementation, location factors such as energy prices, grid infrastructure and security of supply are becoming increasingly important.

The Technology Talk showed that the electrification of industrial furnaces is already a reality in many areas. The key challenge now lies in scaling existing solutions and creating the necessary conditions for economically viable implementation on an industrial scale. Technological innovation and energy policy decisions must work closely together in this regard.