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CINEA Features SUNBREWED as a Flagship Project Powering Net‑Zero Steam for Europe’s Brewing Industry

  • Mar 28
  • 2 min read

The European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) has published a dedicated feature on the SUNBREWED Project, highlighting it as “a pioneering initiative driving the brewing industry towards industrial decarbonisation.”


According to CINEA, the project deploys a concentrated solar thermal (CST) plant in Patras, Greece, delivering “100% CO₂‑free steam directly to the brewery” and replacing part of the fossil‑fuel heat supply with renewable solar energy.


CINEA notes that SUNBREWED “combines CST technology with on‑site steam storage to keep a stable supply of steam for continuous brewing,” ensuring reliability and flexibility in industrial operations. The project is supported by a €4.47 million grant from the EU Innovation Fund.


The feature also highlights the project’s innovative financing structure, stating that SUNBREWED “introduces a progressive heat‑as‑a‑service model through a Thermal Purchase Agreement (TPA), allowing solar thermal plants to be developed on‑site with little or no upfront investment.” This approach is described as reducing technical and operational risks for the brewery, while preserving the option to acquire the asset at a later stage.


CINEA further reports that in April 2025, SUNBREWED “reached an important milestone by finalising its financing agreements,” following the successful completion of environmental permitting, investment attraction, TPA signing, and execution of the EPC contract.


In terms of system performance, the published feature specifies that the installation includes:

  • 5.75 MW of thermal production capacity

  • 15.5 MWh of thermal storage

  • 9,435 MWh of renewable heat delivered annually, covering approximately 25% of the brewery’s steam demand

  • 2,192 tonnes of CO₂ avoided per year, equivalent to “around 389 trips around the Earth by car”


Construction and installation activities are currently underway at the Athenian Brewery, with commissioning and performance testing planned to ensure stable operation and long‑term performance.


As highlighted by CINEA, SUNBREWED demonstrates “how solar heat can support industrial decarbonisation through a combination of clean technology, innovative financing, and cross‑border collaboration,” offering a replicable model for other energy‑intensive sectors across Europe.




 
 
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