Solar Thermal Heat as a Key Driver of Industrial Decarbonization at Future of Utilities.

Amsterdam Future Utilities Summit 2024.

Amsterdam, Netherlands — At this year’s Future of Utilities: Energy Transition Summit, held in Amsterdam in March 2024, Lars Ling, CEO & Founder of CleanTech Region Group, delivered a keynote presentation that underscored the transformative potential of **solar thermal heat** in achieving rapid industrial decarbonization across Europe and globally.

Speaking to utility leaders, policymakers, investors, and technology innovators, Lars presented a compelling case:

“Half of all industrial energy demand is heat — and the sun can supply it.”

Today, nearly 50% of global industrial energy consumption is dedicated to low- to mid-temperature heat below 400°C. This segment represents one of the most significant untapped opportunities for immediate decarbonization. In his keynote, Lars demonstrated how solar thermal energy, supported by thermal storage and innovative hybrid systems, offers a cost-effective, scalable alternative to fossil fuels such as natural gas.

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A Scalable Solution for Heavy Industry

Lars highlighted real-world deployments in sectors including: • Food & beverage manufacturing • Pulp & paper • Textile and chemical production • Mining and metals • District heating and large-scale municipal energy systems

These examples showcase how solar thermal installations deliver reliable process heat, lower operational costs, and dramatically cut carbon emissions — all while increasing energy security.

Nordic Innovation Leading Global Change

CleanTech Region Group continues to advance international partnerships that connect Nordic cleantech expertise with industries and governments across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Silicon Valley. Lars emphasized that the combination of Nordic technology leadership and global industrial demand creates a unique moment for accelerating the solar-powered transition.

“The future of industrial heat is not fossil, and it is not electric alone — it is solar,”

Lars stated, underscoring the role of solar thermal heat as one of the most powerful yet underutilized tools for achieving net-zero production.

A Call to Action

In closing, Lars urged industry leaders to make bold, immediate commitments to deploy solar heat solutions at scale — enabling industries to cut emissions faster, stabilize energy costs, and future-proof their operations.

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About CleanTech Region Group

CleanTech Region Group is an international ecosystem builder and advisory platform headquartered in the Nordics. The Group drives innovation, investment, and large-scale energy transition projects across Europe, Africa, and the United States — connecting cities, utilities, industries, and technology providers to accelerate the global shift toward sustainable, climate-neutral production.

More information: https://linktr.ee/larsling