Fight against CO2: New technologies for environmentally friendly industrial processes!
The TU Freiberg develops innovative, environmentally friendly technologies to reduce CO2 in industry, funded by the BMWK.

Fight against CO2: New technologies for environmentally friendly industrial processes!
Scarce resources and the increasing need to reduce energy consumption are increasingly shaping the challenges facing refractory research. On March 20, 2025, a new milestone in the development of environmentally friendly combustion technologies was reached: a microwave plasma burner hybrid oven with a thermal output of 100 kilowatts was put into operation. This innovation is part of the project Hybrid FIRE funded, which is supported with around 2.2 million euros from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK).
Professor Christos Aneziris from the TU Bergakademie Freiberg emphasizes the need to develop more powerful, material and energy efficient materials. The research focuses on harnessing electrical energy for innovative microwave plasma torch technologies. These can be used both alone and in combination with other high-temperature heating systems to advance environmentally friendly combustion technologies.
Sustainable energy strategies in industry
Industry requires around 70% of its energy in the form of heat, of which only around 15% is generated from “green” technologies. The majority of heat demand is currently covered by fossil fuels, which causes significant amounts of greenhouse gases, especially CO2. The focus of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) focuses on exploring decarbonization options to reduce CO2 emissions in various industries, such as paper and food manufacturing and aluminum production.
Another important aspect of the research is the conversion of existing coal-fired power plants into low-CO2 energy suppliers in order to achieve climate goals. The need for new technologies to provide renewable heat for industrial processes above 150 degrees Celsius is becoming increasingly urgent.
Economic and social challenges
The challenges facing industry, especially medium-sized companies, are significant. The legally required sustainability reporting is often an additional burden. External factors such as the Corona crisis and geopolitical tensions, such as the war in Ukraine, have severely affected global supply chains. In September 2024, industrial production fell by 2.5% compared to the previous month and by 4.6% compared to the same month last year.
Energy-intensive sectors, which are responsible for 77% of industrial energy consumption but only contribute 17% to gross value added, are particularly affected. The automotive industry recorded a decline of 7.8%, while mechanical engineering even recorded a slight increase of 1.7%. The pressure on companies to make their production methods more sustainable is growing.
Best practices for sustainable production
To meet these challenges, companies must reduce their emissions and use resources more efficiently. Best practices for sustainable production include:
- Energieeffizienz durch moderne Technologien.
- Kreislaufwirtschaft: Recycling und Wiederverwendung von Materialien.
- Verantwortungsvolle Lieferketten und nachhaltige Beschaffung.
- Technologische Innovation durch Industrie 4.0-Technologien.
- Mitarbeitereinbindung in Nachhaltigkeitsinitiativen.
Companies that implement these sustainable practices can not only increase their competitiveness, but also ensure long-term success. Advances in high-temperature technologies and the integration of renewable energies into industry are crucial steps towards a sustainable future.