How can beer be brewed in a more climate-friendly way in future? This is the question addressed by the "RenewBrew" research project, which was launched at the beginning of 2026 at the Research Centre for Energy – Mobility – Processes (EMP) at University of Applied Sciences Hanover. Owing to the high thermal energy demand, many breweries have so far relied on gas burners to generate the steam required for the brewing process. The project is investigating how this heat demand could be met through renewable energy rather than gas in future, as a basis for a significantly lower-greenhouse-gas heat supply, including for smaller breweries.

At the heart of the project lies the development of a system comprising high-temperature heat pumps, thermal storage, photovoltaics, and concentrating solar thermal energy. In this system, sunlight is focused using special mirrors to generate high temperatures. Project leader Prof. Dr. Lutz Meyer explains: "We are relying on the coupling of concentrated solar thermal energy and high-temperature heat pumps to exploit synergies and achieve efficiency gains. This project addresses a gap in process heat at small capacity ranges, thereby contributing to the decarbonisation of industry."

These technologies work together to supply steam at temperatures well above 100 degrees Celsius, which is a key component of the brewing process. A scientific test facility is currently under construction at University of Applied Sciences Hanover. The concept will be presented in September at the 4th North German Heat Research Conference in Flensburg and at the 32nd SolarPACES Conference in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler. A demonstrator will then be developed based on the test facility and installed at for the Norderney Brewhouse.

Sustainable Process Heat: Potential for breweries and other industries

This technology could be a valuable solution for other industries that traditionally rely on natural gas to generate process heat and steam. It could enable smaller, energy-intensive businesses to reduce their dependence on external grid electricity or fossil fuels, thereby lowering their production costs.

In addition to the Norderney Brewhouse and its managing director Tobias Pape, Wolfgang Jaske of the company Jaske & Wolf Verfahrenstechnik is also providing significant support as an external project partner. The "RenewBrew" research project, which runs until the end of 2028, is being funded with around € 1.09 million by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) and the Joint Science Conference (GWK) as part of the "Research at UAS" programme.

Text source: University of Applied Sciences Hanover