Ceramics and their energy-efficient production are securing climate goals
Lighter, faster, better—the ceramics industry is a real game changer when it comes to decarbonization. At ceramitec 2026, you can find out how its latest processes, materials, components and technologies are contributing to the energy transition. The leading international trade fair is a meeting place for exhibitors and experts with efficient energy solutions. But before, here is an overview of energy-efficient ceramics production and numerous environmental applications.
Efficient energy solutions for and with ceramics
Almost every country in the world has agreed to strive to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees. As a result, decarbonization is the order of the day. But what about the times when the sun isn’t shining, the wind isn’t blowing or the water isn’t flowing? What can be done if renewable energies are not enough? In addition to new technologies that generate energy, solutions that distribute, store and intelligently control the use of energy are also in demand. The ceramics industry can make a significant contribution to the energy transition with materials, components and technologies in all kinds of applications. These don’t just include the likes of wind power and photovoltaics, but also involve the energy-efficient production of ceramics.
How do you produce ceramics in an energy-efficient way?
According to the Federal Statistical Office, the ceramics industry is the fourth largest group of industrial energy consumers after the chemical industry, the metal industry and the mineral oil industry. Ceramic production requires high temperatures, for which natural gas is widely used as an energy source. The scope for process improvements is limited by production times and available space. At the same time, climate change and cost pressure require investment. ceramitec provides orientation on topics from individual projects to new installations. In addition to preparation and shaping, innovations for energy-intensive process steps such as preheating, firing and cooling are the main focus when it comes to ceramics.
Here’s a sample of the energy-efficient solutions at ceramitec 2024:
- Additives that reduce the heat requirement during firing
- Equipment, such as light tunnel kiln cars that cool down more quickly
- Energy efficiency through the likes of circulation systems and heat exchangers
- Innovative combustion processes, including ones with hydrogen
- And much more…
Three reasons to invest in resource-saving ceramic production
- Meet climate targets in a more targeted manner in the short, medium and long term
- Save costs and future-proof your business
- Stay on the market with competitive products
How energy-efficient ceramics help the environment
The EU aims to be climate neutral by 2050. Almost every country in the world has committed to the 1.5-degree target. Together, they must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 60 percent between 2019 and 2035. Renewable energies are gradually replacing fossil fuels. Energy and environmental technologies generate, store and distribute electricity and heat from the power of the sun, wind and water. Without ceramics, many solutions for generating and storing energy would be inefficient, and some would not be feasible at all.
Ceramic solutions in the solar industry
Photovoltaic technology keeps on growing. By 2050, it could cover more than 60 percent of the world’s energy needs. At the start of 2024, the research company Wood Mackenzie predicted that the international solar industry would add an average of around 350 gigawatts of photovoltaic capacity over the next eight years. At the same time, the technology is under enormous cost pressure. Technological progress could reduce prices and make products more efficient and durable.
Ceramic components and their advantages:
- Wear-resistant lasers and bushings made of technical ceramics
- Durable carrier material made from high-performance ceramics
- Ceramic coatings that protect against corrosion
- Ceramic heat sinks that regulate overheating
- Ceramic insulators, such as rings for heat decoupling
- Heat-resistant silicon carbide ceramic components
Ceramics for electricity from wind and hydropower
There are forces at work wherever rotor blades cut through the wind or water rushes through turbines. At lofty heights, under water or in complex systems, materials wear out, and can sometimes be difficult to access. Durable and resistant ceramic components increase the safety and efficiency of wind and hydropower plants. Here and in many other environmental technology applications, they not only defy the forces of nature, they also improve quality and even report if there is a problem.
Ceramic components and tools for energy solutions:
- Wear-resistant bearings for wind turbine rotors, generators and gearboxes extend service life
- Slide rings, bearing bushes and shells for pumps reduce downtime and maintenance costs
- Piezo ceramics convert pressure and tension into electrical signals and report on things like damage to rotor blades, fill levels, etc.
- Precise cutting tools offer tight tolerances and the best surface quality
- Ceramic filters, such as for water treatment, reduce the waste of resources
Ceramics in energy storage
Researchers are looking at different ways of storing electricity from renewable energies. Mobile and stationary energy storage systems are a key component of a sustainable energy supply. Electric mobility is currently one of the biggest drivers of development. It is almost impossible to conceive the energy storage systems of the future without ceramics. Because of this, the focus is on ceramic materials and processes for batteries and heat storage systems. The high-performance materials and components of technical ceramics in particular play a decisive role here as heat-resistant, conductive and corrosion-resistant elements.
Research results from long-standing exhibitors in the ceramitec environment
- Fraunhofer IKTS develops durable, high-performance and wear-resistant electrolytes and ceramic components for fuel cells
- Kyocera and other manufacturers grind, mix and combine materials for lithium-ion batteries in a multi-stage ceramic process
- TU Freiberg develops processes for recycling ceramics in electrolytes and breaks down fuel cells into recyclable raw materials
- In the EMSiG project, Fraunhofer IPA researched solid-state batteries with common salt. Meanwhile, Alumina Systems will launch non-flammable batteries, which differ from lithium-ion batteries, in 2024.
- thyssenkrupp nucera is working with IKTS to develop high-temperature electrolysis for producing green hydrogen
Discover the energy-efficient production of ceramics at ceramitec
Robust parts, high-performance components, sustainable systems—ceramitec 2026 will showcase the future. Manufacturers can secure the energy supply for the ceramics industry. Users discover a wide range of ceramic solutions for efficient energy and environmental technology. Exhibitors show products that are ready for series production, and experts from all over the world discuss the current state of research and development—every two years, ceramitec provides orientation for sustainable investments in the future.
Talk to well-known industry leaders at ceramitec
Whether it’s state-of-the-art or the latest trends, the leading international trade fair for the ceramics industry networks experts provides impetus and brings together future-oriented innovations in one place. At ceramitec in Munich, you will meet the international leaders of the ceramics industry.
