What the Project Is All About
The European Union has set an ambitious climate goal: to be net zero by 2050. Enter MITIS, a startup company on a mission to make that happen by reducing emissions through highly efficient decentralized energy converters. At the heart of their innovation is the world’s first—and only—flameless combustion microturbine. This isn’t just another energy gadget; it’s a game-changer designed to transform how energy is produced and consumed, especially at the local level.
The Main Benefit: Cleaner, Smarter Energy
MITIS’s technology brings a bunch of impressive benefits to the table, including:
- Sustainable: Enables the use of local biofuels like biogas and biodiesel, moving away from oil-based combustion systems.
- Clean: Flameless combustion technology drastically cuts greenhouse gas emissions—goodbye, pollution!
- Distributed: Boosts fuel conversion efficiency by combining heating, cooling, and power generation all in one.
Applications That Make a Difference
Where exactly can this microturbine make an impact? Quite a few places, actually. For starters, it’s perfect for biomethanisation—turning biogas into efficient renewable energy for both power and heat. Then there’s collective building heating, where it provides heating, cooling, and power for public or private buildings. And for those off-grid locations? It offers decentralized power solutions for remote communities or infrastructure, making energy access cleaner and more reliable.
How the Technology Works
At its core, MITIS’s flameless combustion microturbine operates differently from traditional turbines. By eliminating the flame, it reduces harmful emissions and allows for the use of a variety of local biofuels. This approach not only cuts down on pollution but also increases the overall efficiency of energy conversion. Plus, the decentralized nature means energy is produced closer to where it’s needed—less waste, more control.
Backing and Support
This innovative project isn’t flying solo. It has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 946903. Additionally, the European Regional Development Fund and Wallonia are investing in the future by supporting MITIS’s work. This kind of backing highlights the importance and potential of decentralized, clean energy solutions in Europe’s green transition.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
Looking Ahead: The Future of Decentralized Energy
MITIS is paving the way for a future where energy is cleaner, smarter, and more local. By focusing on sustainable biofuels and flameless combustion, this project tackles emissions head-on while improving energy efficiency. As the world pushes toward net zero, solutions like these will be crucial—not just for big cities but for remote communities and everyday buildings alike. It’s a bold step forward, and the journey is just beginning…
