Many industrial facilities across Europe still rely on ageing production systems that were not designed for today’s energy efficiency and decarbonisation requirements. Replacing entire industrial plants is often economically unrealistic, particularly for energy-intensive industries operating under strict production, quality and operational constraints. RETROFEED addresses this challenge by developing practical retrofitting solutions that improve the energy and resource efficiency of existing industrial processes without disrupting industrial productivity.
The project focuses on helping industries modernise existing plants through integrated retrofitting approaches that combine process optimisation, waste heat recovery, digital monitoring and low-carbon operational strategies. By improving existing infrastructure rather than replacing it entirely, RETROFEED supports a more realistic and scalable pathway towards industrial decarbonisation.
What is RETROFEED about?
RETROFEED focuses on improving the energy efficiency and sustainability of existing industrial plants through advanced retrofitting solutions.
The project develops technologies and methodologies that allow industrial facilities to optimise production processes, reduce energy consumption and lower emissions while maintaining operational performance and product quality. Particular attention is given to process industries where retrofitting existing systems can deliver significant environmental and economic benefits.
A central aspect of RETROFEED is the integration of different optimisation strategies within industrial operations. These include waste heat recovery, process monitoring, digital control systems, flexible energy management and resource efficiency improvements designed to increase overall plant performance.
The project also explores how industrial plants can become more adaptable to changing energy conditions and production requirements. Advanced monitoring and predictive tools help operators improve operational flexibility while identifying opportunities for energy savings and process optimisation.
Demonstration activities validate RETROFEED solutions in real industrial environments across several process industries. These pilots help assess how retrofitting approaches can improve energy performance while remaining compatible with existing industrial infrastructure and operational limitations.
Beyond technical implementation, RETROFEED addresses economic feasibility and replication potential to support wider industrial adoption across Europe. The project aims to provide industries with practical pathways for reducing emissions and improving efficiency without requiring complete plant replacement.
Why RETROFEED matters
Europe’s industrial transition depends not only on new low-carbon technologies, but also on improving the performance of existing industrial infrastructure. Many industrial plants will continue operating for decades, making retrofitting a critical strategy for achieving near-term emissions reductions and energy savings.
RETROFEED contributes to this transition by demonstrating how existing industrial facilities can become more efficient, flexible and sustainable through targeted retrofitting measures. By reducing energy consumption and improving operational performance, the project helps industries lower environmental impact while maintaining competitiveness.
Through practical and scalable retrofitting solutions, RETROFEED supports Europe’s broader goals for industrial decarbonisation, energy efficiency and sustainable manufacturing.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No. 869939.
Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
