GREENOLIVE: Launch of the European project to boost industrial decarbonization in the Mediterranean
The transition to a low-carbon industry demands not only new energy technologies, but also scientific cooperation frameworks capable of accelerating their practical application in complex production environments. In this context, GREENOLIVE stands out as one of the most relevant initiatives currently underway in the Mediterranean region, addressing the reduction of industrial emissions in an integrated manner through solutions based on solar energy and advanced decarbonization processes.
Funded under the Interreg NEXT MED program, the project brings together universities, research centers, and industrial partners with a common goal: to develop replicable models that enable the reduction of greenhouse gases in energy-intensive industrial sectors, while simultaneously strengthening technological innovation and regional cooperation.
Within this international consortium, DIOPMA actively participates in the scientific and strategic development of the project, contributing expertise in materials science, impact analysis, and process optimization. The formal start of the project took place in November 2025 in Rome, during a three-day kick-off meeting held at Università degli Studi eCampus, followed by subsequent technical meetings aimed at refining the work planning between partners.
Key aspects of the GREENOLIVE project
- GREENOLIVE aims to reduce industrial emissions in the Mediterranean region using advanced solar technologies.
- The project is structured around several work packages focused on technical aspects, management, communication, and technology transfer.
- DIOPMA is involved in impact analysis, replicability, and scientific coordination.
- The kick-off meeting held in Rome facilitated the alignment of technical, administrative, and strategic objectives.
- The initiative integrates Power-to-X technologies, industrial decarbonization, and transnational cooperation.
A strategic start to align science, technology and international cooperation
The launch of GREENOLIVE in Rome was much more than an institutional meeting. Over three intensive days, the consortium partners defined technical priorities, reviewed responsibilities, and consolidated the project’s operational framework.
Day 1: Technical Definition and Shared System Vision
The first day began with a welcome session led by Luca Cioccolanti, who presented the project’s overall structure and its main administrative components.
One of the key moments was the review of Work Package 3, dedicated to the theoretical and experimental development for defining the dimensions and components of the technological system. In this session, Margarita Rodriguez coordinated the analysis with the partners involved in the experimental phase.
Also noteworthy was the technical presentation by the industrial partner ASCHEM Petrochemical, which detailed the process plant concept upon which the GREENOLIVE prototype will be based.
Subsequently, Halime Paksoy presented the planning for Work Package 4, focused on the manufacturing, integration, and demonstration of the system.
On behalf of DIOPMA, Inés Fernández led the presentation of Work Package 5, dedicated to evaluating the impact, replicability, and territorial scalability of the project in different Mediterranean regions.
[SUGGESTED INTERNAL LINK: GREENOLIVE: Green Mediterranean through Solar Driven Decarbonization of Industries]
Day 2: Coordination, Communication, and Operational Construction of the Consortium
The second day focused on ensuring the project has a robust management architecture, essential for highly complex European initiatives.
Paolo Sospiro opened the working sessions on coordination and reporting, accompanied by representatives from the joint secretariat of the Interreg NEXT MED program.
During this phase, financial procedures, milestone monitoring, technical reporting, and procurement planning were addressed.
In parallel, Work Package 2 allowed for the definition of the project’s scientific communication and institutional outreach strategy. Paola Todini presented the general guidelines, while Alejandro Lafarga Martinez elaborated on connecting with stakeholders and multipliers.
The session also included a specific workshop aimed at identifying key stakeholders for the future transfer of results.
This is especially relevant in materials and energy innovation projects, where early communication facilitates future industrial adoption.
Day 3: Power-to-X Technologies and a Mediterranean Industrial Perspective
The third day incorporated a more open technological dimension through a webinar focused on Power-to-X technologies, considered one of the most promising ways to decarbonize energy-intensive industrial processes.
Solutions related to the following were analyzed:
- electrical conversion to fuels
- thermal enhancement systems
- power-to-heat
- hybrid energy pathways
The presentations brought together experts from the University of Pisa, ENEA, CIEMAT, and Çukurova University.
The final discussion also incorporated an industrial perspective through representatives from Confindustria, Snam S.p.A., NEXTCHEMy Ricerca sul Sistema Energetico – RSE SpA.
DIOPMA and the subsequent technical work: from the initial meeting to the scientific fine-tuning
Following the Rome meeting, the consortium’s work continued with internal technical meetings focused on translating the general objectives into precise work plans.
DIOPMA’s Scientific Role within GREENOLIVE
DIOPMA participates in GREENOLIVE under the leadership of Inés Fernández and Alejandro Calderón.
The research team also includes:
- Adela Svobodova
- Camila Barreneche
- Carlos Vielma
Their contribution is primarily focused on impact assessment, replicability analysis, and providing scientific support for system optimization decisions.
Subsequent Meetings: Refining Methodology and Coordination
After the kick-off meeting, the consortium began follow-up meetings to refine timelines, task assignments, and experimental requirements.
These meetings are essential in European projects because they allow for:
- adjusting technical deliverables
- coordinating data between laboratories
- harmonizing analytical methodologies
- anticipating industrial demonstration needs
In the case of GREENOLIVE, this initial work is crucial because the project’s success depends on the coherent integration of technological design, energy analysis, and territorial feasibility.
[SUGGESTED INTERNAL LINK: European research projects at DIOPMA]
Materials Science and Decarbonization: A Structural Connection
Although GREENOLIVE has a strong energy component, materials science plays a central role.
Thermal efficiency, component durability, operational stability, and the adaptation of materials to real industrial conditions are critical variables for any solar solution applied to production processes.
Therefore, the participation of specialized groups like DIOPMA is strategic for translating energy concepts into technically robust solutions.
Conclusions on the GREENOLIVE project kick-off meeting
GREENOLIVE is launching as a project with high scientific and industrial potential within the Mediterranean, not only for its technological ambition but also for its ability to connect applied research, international cooperation, and the energy transition.
The kick-off meeting in Rome established a solid foundation for coordination and a shared vision, while subsequent meetings are consolidating the necessary technical details to move forward rigorously.
For DIOPMA, this participation reinforces its position in applied research for sustainable processes, where materials science and decarbonization converge as strategic pillars for the future.
