This is an innovative solution designed to maintain the heating of a 40-ton asphalt storage. This applied R&D project benefits from the support of the Means Agency of the Institute for Research in Solar Energy and New Energies (IRESEN) as part of the InnoTherm/InnoBiomass project calls, aimed at encouraging sustainable energy solutions for the industry.
Deployed at the Bituma site in Aïn Atiq, this demonstrator integrates high-energy solar concentrators that maintain the asphalt at 150°C, thus reducing annual fuel oil consumption by 15% and CO₂ emissions by 200 tons per year. A feasibility study has also been conducted for a transition to a storage capacity of 3,000 tons, paving the way for a broader integration of renewable energies in the sector.
This project illustrates the importance of collaborations between research and industry, with concrete results:
- Five patents filed, covering innovations in thermal management and energy efficiency.
- Fifteen scientific publications, enhancing the international recognition of the project.
- Three doctoral theses defended, demonstrating the researchers’ commitment to concrete solutions.
- Creation of a technology startup, specializing in advanced thermal storage.
With this initiative, IRESEN confirms its key role in accelerating the energy transition by funding innovative technological projects that optimize energy consumption and reduce the carbon footprint of the Moroccan industry.