2024 National Eco-Business Forum: FCI members in the spotlight

The National Eco-Business Forum: innovative solutions for a sustainable future

The 15th National Eco-Business Forum took place on 4 April 2024 at France’s Ministry for the Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty. Organised by PEXE in partnership with ADEME, the event showcased solutions in four areas: water and biodiversity; air, buildings and mobility; waste and the circular economy; and renewable energy and energy efficiency.

France Cleantech Industries members played an active role in the renewable-energy and efficiency programme. More than 500 companies registered, and two FCI founding members—Airthium and Hevatech—were selected as finalists in the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency showcase.

Innovations in industrial heating and heat recovery

Airthium: high-performance low-carbon industrial heat

Airthium develops safe, reliable and efficient low-carbon heat for industry. Its high-performance heat pump is a first-of-a-kind solution designed to economically replace steam boilers and fossil-fuel industrial burners between 150°C and 550°C. This electric alternative makes renewable energy commercially viable in food, chemical and paper applications. Airthium had recently raised close to €3 million to continue its development.

Hevatech: converting waste heat into electricity

Hevatech converts lost heat into electricity using its patented TURBOSOL process. TURBOSOL targets flue gases above 300°C, while Hevatech’s complementary H2P technology is designed for streams above 600°C. Applications range from power generation to district heating.

Eco-Tech Ceram: recovering and storing heat up to 1,000°C

Eco-Tech Ceram converts industrial waste heat into useful heat and electricity. Its Eco-Stock® technology captures heat at temperatures up to 1,000°C, improving energy efficiency and reducing industrial CO₂ emissions.

The 2024 Forum programme

The event combined in-person and online sessions and attracted more than 500 participants looking for sustainable, innovative solutions.

Morning

Welcome and networking over coffee;
Opening remarks from PEXE and ADEME on the role of innovation in the environmental ecosystem;
A plenary conference on current environmental-transition challenges and opportunities;
Workshops on the circular economy, decarbonisation, innovation and green finance;
An exhibitor village presenting the latest eco-business innovations.

Afternoon

Business-to-business meetings to build professional connections;
Innovation pitches from start-ups and SMEs;
A round table with experts and business leaders;
The Innovative Eco-Business Trophy awards;
A closing reception celebrating the day’s projects and discussions.

Additional resources

The Forum enabled key stakeholders to connect while bringing practical sustainability solutions into view.

The Forum’s innovation showcases

Hevatech and Airthium were selected among forty innovation finalists from more than 120 applicants in the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy category.

FCI also congratulated Enogia, which won the trophy for its innovation in waste-energy recovery and hydrogen. Enogia stands out for its ability to use previously untapped heat sources, helping reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. Its portfolio includes ORC turbines and air compressors for hydrogen fuel cells, serving transport, energy storage and industry, alongside engineering, maintenance and specialist training.

More information is available on Enogia’s website and in the FCI member directory.

France Cleantech Industries: contributing to a successful energy transition

The Forum provided a valuable opportunity to highlight the technological excellence of FCI members. We thank the organisers of the National Eco-Business Forum and reaffirm FCI’s commitment to a sustainable, innovative industrial future.