FAQs

Find information on how our technology works, its benefits, our commitment to sustainability, and more.

Technology

What sets HELIOVIS apart from other solar thermal tecnologies?

HELIOVIS’ breakthrough technology, the HELIOtube®, unlocks the market for cost-effective, decentralised, and CO2-neutral low to mid-temp process heat. This significant market is very hard to decarbonise in an economically viable way. Our solution’s low CAPEX and OPEX, combined with an innovative design that protects critical components and optimises the value chain, make it unique. Compared to conventional mirror-based CSP systems, HELIOVIS offers significant savings both in CAPEX and OPEX.

The key advantages of this disruptive technology are:

Investment cost (CAPEX)

  • Materials: commercially available plastic films instead of designs based on curved glass mirrors
  • Production: “roll-to-roll” serial production instead of on-site manufacturing
  • Logistics: standard 40-foot containers instead of special transportation
  • Installation: inflation with air instead of assembling and aligning thousands of fragile glass mirrors
  • Local content & jobs: up to 80% in target markets

Operation & Maintenance (OPEX)

  • Wind protection: unique and adaptive windshield system
  • Sand and dust: massively reduced challenges due to convex plastic tubes fully encapsulating precious components
  • Cleaning: Dirt-repellent materials, convex tube design, and recyclability of cleaning water → up to 80% less fresh water required
  • De-focusing: by a quick drop of the pressure difference between the two chambers (leading to a flat mirror) instead of slow mechanical turning; time span < 30 seconds (better than industry standard)
  • Recycling: clean and sorted plastic films instead of shattered glass panels
  • Marketing: each collector can serve as a spectacular advertising board of ca. 1,500 m² (Any design is only visible when the tube is turned upside down, i.e. when not in operation)

HELIOVIS’ technology operates most efficiently in the global sunbelt with solar conditions exceeding 1,800 DNI (Direct Normal Irradiance measured in kWh/m²/year). Target regions include North America’s southwest, parts of South America, North Africa, Southern Africa, the Gulf region, southern Europe, and Australia. These regions offer the highest solar thermal energy yields. In total, more than 30 countries have good or excellent solar conditions.

A common misconception is a belief in the universal affordability, applicability, and availability of electricity from photovoltaics (PV), which, despite being a global commodity with over-capacities and low profitability, is cost-effective only during the 8-hour daytime (peak demand 1: noon). The absence of affordable industry-scale battery storage for electricity post-sunset (peak demand 2: evening) highlights the need for Solar Thermal Power (STP). With thermal storage, STP meets the demand for solar heat (ranging from 90°C to 400°C) for numerous industrial process heat applications for up to 24 hours daily. This establishes a distinct solar market immune to the challenges of PV cost reductions.

Yes, the first HELIOVIS installation in Spain, the solar collector with the largest homogenous mirror in the world, has been operational since 2017. Although the plant essentially serves as a test facility on an industrial scale, it has saved tons of diesel and CO2 emissions, proving its effectiveness under challenging environmental conditions.
faqs

Markets

Why is decarbonising industrial processes important?

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), industrial companies account for 37% of global emissions. The increasing adoption of CO2 taxes and emissions trading schemes further emphasises the need for decarbonisation. Many large industrial corporations have also set net-zero emissions targets, making reliable and economical solutions essential. Concentrated solar thermal systems like the HELIOtube® are crucial for reducing fossil fuel consumption for thermal processes and thus CO2 emissions.
HELIOVIS focuses on mid-temperature process heat for industrial customers, representing 14% of global energy consumption. Most of this heat, totaling a staggering 10,400 TWhth annually, is generated using fossil fuels, resulting in 3,950 million tons of yearly CO2 emissions.

HELIOVIS’ technology aligns with industries subject to increasing decarbonisation pressure, high fossil fuel prices, and emissions considerations. It is particularly suitable for the Chemicals & Petrochemicals (including Oil & Gas), Pulp & Paper, Mining, and Food & Beverage sectors, as they have substantial mid-temp process heat demand.

HELIOVIS offers industrial process heat at a competitive Levelised Cost of Energy (LCoE) of €80/MWhth, making it cost-competitive with fossil fuel solutions. While fossil fuel burners have low acquisition costs, their operational expenses, maintenance, and rising CO2 emission costs often result in higher LCoE.

Yes, the first HELIOVIS installation in Spain, the most prominent solar collector in the world, has been operational since 2017. Although the plant essentially serves as a test facility on an industrial scale, it has saved tons of diesel and CO2 emissions, proving its effectiveness under challenging environmental conditions.
HELIOVIS offers industrial process heat at a competitive Levelized Cost of Energy (LCoE) of €80/MWhth, making it cost-competitive with fossil fuel solutions. While fossil fuel burners have low acquisition costs, their operational expenses, maintenance, and rising CO2 emission costs often result in higher LCoE.

Company

How is HELIOVIS scaling its operations?

HELIOVIS has a detailed strategic scaling plan, including expanding and strengthening the operations teams, and scaling-up production capabilities and the partner network. This strategic approach ensures fast and efficient growth.

HELIOVIS is currently raising growth capital to support its journey. Proceeds of this financing will be used to further expand serial production, business development, procurement, project delivery, and the development of additional smart solutions (e.g., smaller collectors, and inflatable collectors on water surfaces).

1. Purchasing Partnerships:
HELIOVIS has cultivated a dynamic supply chain through collaborations with globally distributed partners. Our procurement strategy involves sourcing production materials for HELIOtubes® primarily from the USA and Europe, while steel and aluminium for tube support structures are procured mainly in Asia. Locally, civil engineering services and foundations are acquired near construction sites to ensure efficiency and proximity. Not a single component is subject to dual-use regulation or any other sensitive scheme.

 

2. EPC Partners:
In the intricate process of seamlessly integrating solar thermal power plants into our customers’ existing energy supply, HELIOVIS engages with Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC) partners. Recognised leaders in our target industries, our EPC partners not only comprehend but fluently speak the language of our customers, ensuring the harmonious implementation of HELIOVIS solutions and allowing us to focus on what we are best at —supplying clean and cost-efficient solar technology.

 

3. Special Plant Manufacturers:
When addressing critical areas such as water desalination, hydrogen production, or Direct Air Capture (DAC), HELIOVIS actively seeks visionary partners. These collaborations aim to create innovative solutions previously unseen in the industry. HELIOVIS ensures that all concepts are brought to life in a CO2-neutral manner, fostering sustainability. Whether it is designing water desalination plants or pioneering advancements in eco-friendly technology, we partner with entities that share our commitment to environmental responsibility.

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