DigiSolar is set to revolutionize large-scale solar thermal (ST) systems by seamlessly integrating them with other renewable energy sources, enabling hybrid-ST solutions that drive decarbonization, electrification, and energy flexibility. This transformative approach will accelerate the energy transition for industrial process heat and district heating networks, making clean energy more accessible, cost-effective, and future-ready. At its core, DigiSolar will deliver DS Suite, a unified digital platform designed to optimize every stage of hybrid solar thermal system’s lifetime. DS Suite leverages advanced digital twin technology with AI-driven fault detection, supply and demand forecasting and model predictive control (MPC), as well as life cycle assessment. The DS Suite will empower planners, operators, and end-users with cutting-edge tools for performance verification, predictive maintenance, and real-time energy optimization. Its investor-trusted planning capabilities and user-friendliness, currently lacking in the market, will unlock large-scale solar thermal investments, accelerate solar thermal market penetration, by de-risking and boosting deployment. DigiSolar’s innovative business models further enhance cost-competitiveness, lowering return-on-investment periods while ensuring a reliable, carbon-free energy supply. Backed by a highly skilled consortium of 3 leading R&D institutions and 9 industry partners—including solar thermal technology providers, engineering firms, utilities, and digital solution experts—the project brings together the expertise needed to confidently develop, validate, and deploy DS Suite at scale in 4 demo-sites towards 100% decarbonisation industrial, district heating and cross-sectoral applications of solar thermal in South and West Europe. By bridging the gap between technology and implementation, DigiSolar will strengthen Europe’s leadership in renewable energy, paving the way for a resilient and sustainable energy future.
EUREC leads the Work Package on Communication and Dissemination activities.