SUNBREWED: powering net-zero-carbon steam for Europe’s brewing industry

Brewing with sunshine is the latest innovation transforming Europe’s beer industry. In Patras, Greece, the SUNBREWED project is installing a concentrated solar thermal (CST) plant that delivers 100 % CO₂-free steam directly to the brewery. By replacing part of its fossil fuel heat supply with renewable solar energy, the brewery secures a reliable and sustainable heat source for its operations.  

Coordinated and partially funded by ELPEDISON and implemented by Protarget AG in the Athenian Brewery, SUNBREWED combines CST technology with on-site steam storage to decarbonise the brewing process. Supported by a €4.47 million grant from the Innovation Fund, the project introduces a progressive heat-as-a-service model called a Thermal Purchase Agreement. This allows solar thermal plants to be developed on-site with little or no upfront investment. The agreement minimises technical and operational risks for the brewery, while offering the option to buy the plant later.  

 In April 2025, SUNBREWED reached an important milestone: finalising their financing agreements. This happens only after obtaining environmental permits, signing the thermal purchase agreement, attracting investment, and completing the engineering, procurement and construction contract. 

Stable steam, zero emissions 

The system combines a parabolic-trough solar field, a high-efficiency thermal-oil loop, and a steam accumulator to keep a stable supply of steam for continuous brewing. With 5.75 megawatts (MW) of thermal production capacity and 15.5 megawatt-hour (MWh) of storage, the project is designed to deliver 9 435 MWh of heat per year. That covers around a quarter of the brewery’s steam demand and cuts 2 192 tonnes of annual CO₂ emissions from being released into the atmosphere. Put another way, it’s like cutting the emissions from a fossil-fuelled car driving more than 15.6 million kilometres, making about 389 trips around the Earth.   

Working together across borders 

The project’s consortium, composed of German and Greek companies, learned to work across different languages, cultures and organisational styles. Faced with some coordination complexities, the partners overcame them through regular online check-ins and in person workshops. This hybrid approach helped to build trust and speed up decision making.  

Support from CINEA (the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency) also played a key role in guiding the consortium through technical and financial hurdles, addressing potential complications in demonstrating  technical feasibility, and validating the project’s scalability within Europe’s climate strategy. 

Next steps for a greener brew 

Construction and installation of the solar thermal plant is currently underway at the Athenian Brewery site. Final procurement, on-site assembly and solar-thermal system integration are advancing, with commissioning and performance checks to follow. The goal is to ensure a steady, reliable heat supply that matches the brewery’s changing production needs, supported by storage for round-the-clock availability.  

In parallel, outreach activities are scaling up. Events, workshops, newsletters and social media are spreading the word and encouraging others to copy the model across Europe’s industrial sector. Educational outreach, including  student visits, aim to build public awareness and support for climate-positive transformation. SUNBREWED is also strengthening the local economy in Patras, creating 29 jobs (25 during construction and 4 in operation) and boosting regional suppliers and contractors. By combining clean energy, innovative financing and cross-border teamwork, the project is a great example of how solar heat can make industrial process more sustainable. It offers a replicable model that strengthens energy independence, attracts local investment, and pioneers greener manufacturing. Cheers to decarbonising breweries that serve pints that are as kind to the planet as they are delicious!  

"SUNbrewed demonstrates that industrial decarbonisation and reducing energy cost go hand in hand. By harnessing solar thermal energy, we are delivering reliable, cost-effective heat for industry, strengthening EU energy independence and resilience, while at the same time driving innovation.”

Martin Scheuerer, Commercial Director of Protarget AG Germany.

Learn more about the Innovation Fund