Press & News
This section will feature the latest news and press releases related to the HURRICANE project, highlighting key milestones, events, and achievements.
VITO presented our HURRICANE Project‘s work, together with CRM Group, at #ECOS2026
— the 39th International Conference on Efficiency, Cost, Optimization, Simulation and Environmental Impact of Energy Systems, held in Constanța, Romania.
We’re proud to share that our paper on waste heat recovery from the hot strip mill of ArcelorMittal Belgium received the award for Best Paper on Process Engineering and Minimization of Environmental Impact!
The paper, developed within WP1 of HURRICANE, looked at two complementary technologies for capturing this waste heat: a removable heat exchanger placed on top of the coils, and a water-cooled radiative panel that absorbs heat emitted while the coils are transferred to the yard. We used first-principle simulations to size both devices and estimate their energy recovery potential.
It’s a rewarding recognition for the team, and an encouraging step towards making industrial waste heat a genuinely useful resource for circular, climate-neutral energy systems!
We had the pleasure of hosting our 5th General Assembly of the HURRICANE project at our partner HEATEN in Germany in June 2026.
🌱 Over the course of two intensive and fruitful days, all project partners came together to discuss progress across work packages, exchange insights, and align on the next steps of our journey towards industrial decarbonisation.
The meeting combined technical discussions with valuable networking moments, including a visit to the HEATEN facilities—highlighting the strong collaboration and shared commitment within our consortium. 🤝
A big thank you to the HEATEN team for the excellent organisation and warm hospitality!
hashtag#HorizonEurope hashtag#EnergyTransition hashtag#Decarbonisation hashtag#Innovation hashtag#Collaboration
With the help of Hurricane partners: ArcelorMittal Belgium, CRM Group, VITO, DBFZ Deutsches Biomasseforschungszentrum gemeinnützige GmbH, Università Politecnica delle Marche, PDMFC, HEATEN, FINEG, PC Sint-Jan-Baptist, Provincie Oost-Vlaanderen
#MunicipalityZelzate, #WarmtenetZelzate,
Hurricane’s partner visits conference in Poland
VITO has presented the latest results of the HEU HURRICANE project at the Euroheat & Power Conference in Krakow, Poland!
Our poster highlights how we’re harnessing industrial waste heat to drive the transition towards more sustainable and efficient energy systems. The project focuses on transforming industrial steel sites into circular energy hubs — demonstrated through the case of ArcelorMittal Belgium in Ghent.
The 2026 #EHPCongress brings together 500+ #districtheating and #cooling professionals, with insights into the Polish and international district heating market, the launch of the 2026 DHC Market Outlook, and over 35 exhibitors.
Key contributions on display:
✅ A data-driven control algorithm for optimizing district heating networks (developed by VITO), enabling peak shaving and lower network temperatures.
✅ Advanced heat exchanger design and optimisation methods to improve heat transfer and reduce pressure losses.
✅ Smart district heating network design and optimal routing
By combining innovation in control, design, and waste heat recovery, HURRICANE connects industry and communities — improving resource efficiency and quality of life.
HURRICANE visits Nerdland Festival
In May 2026 we attended the Nerdland Festival, where innovation, technology, and curiosity took center stage, which was right up our alley. ⚙️🌍
During our presentation, Joke Bauwens and Kristof Verbeeck took the audience through how ArcelorMittal Belgium is working step by step toward a more sustainable future. The HURRICANE Project focusses on smart energy optimization, giving the heat from the hot rolling mill a second life in people’s homes. With Steelanol, we convert CO₂ into valuable biofuels. ♻️
Amid the talks, experiments, and inspiring conversations, it became clear once again just how much innovation is already possible today when technology and ambition come together.
A short look back at the HURRICANE Circular Energy Hub launch in Ghent in December 2025.
Strong discussions, shared ambition, and a clear focus on turning industrial waste heat into value were the highlights of the event.
Thank you to all participants!
🎥 Aftermovie below
HURRICANE Launches Circular Energy Hub at ArcelorMittal Belgium
4th of December 2025 marks the official kick-off event for the HURRICANE Project:
Press release (December 2025)
Join us on our journey towards a more sustainable and interconnected industrial future. Explore our website to learn more about our initiatives, goals, and the impact of our work. Together, we can pave the way for a greener, more resilient industrial landscape.
