Nine European decarbonisation projects to be showcased at DS Industry

Transforming industry towards more competitive, efficient and sustainable models requires turning major climate goals into technologies, processes and solutions capable of reaching the market. This connection between innovation and industrial application will be at the heart of DS – Decarbonized & Sustainable Industry, whose first edition will bring together companies, technology centres and innovation stakeholders at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre (Spain) from 3rd to 5th November 2026. Against this backdrop, the European projects in which Zabala Innovation is involved directly reflect several of the challenges that will shape the event.

DS Industry will focus on some of the main challenges currently facing the industrial sector as it moves towards more sustainable models without compromising competitiveness or energy security. Key areas will include the decarbonisation of energy consumption and energy efficiency, the circular economy and clean technologies, alongside cross-cutting issues such as digitalisation, planning and project development aimed at accelerating the transformation of industry. The conference will also be structured around three main areas covering technologies, circularity and industrial sectors.

Zabala Innovation’s alignment with these areas of activity is reflected in nine European projects that will be represented at its stand. “Our consultancy provides the framework for this participation, as it is a partner in the projects and leads their Communication and Dissemination work packages,” explains Ana Báscones, coordinator for Communication and Dissemination in European Projects at Zabala Innovation in Pamplona (Spain).

Energy and decarbonisation

One of the strongest areas of alignment is energy and decarbonisation. In this field, the DESIREE project is working on a new generation of solid oxide electrolysers to produce renewable hydrogen more efficiently, reliably and competitively, while MARPOWER is developing an advanced power generation system for maritime transport designed to operate with sustainable fuels such as hydrogen, ammonia, green methanol and green methane. INDUCE, meanwhile, focuses directly on supporting and coordinating the energy transition and industrial decarbonisation.

Energy system flexibility

Energy system flexibility is another essential component. The AIR4NRG project is developing a long-duration energy storage solution based on compressed air, while SHERPA seeks to improve the performance, flexibility and environmental sustainability of hydropower plants. STOR-HY is also advancing technologies and operational strategies for pumped-storage hydropower. The three projects address a common challenge: integrating a greater share of renewable energy through systems capable of storing energy and adapting to demand.

Circularity and efficient use of materials

Circularity and the efficient use of materials are another clear point of convergence. MADE4WIND is developing more sustainable materials, manufacturing processes and design methodologies for floating wind turbine components, while CIRCWIND is working on circular solutions for wind turbine blades and support structures. In both cases, the aim is to reduce environmental footprints, improve recyclability and make wind energy value chains more sustainable.

Digitalisation

Digitalisation adds another dimension. pAIramid combines artificial intelligence, advanced composite materials, innovative manufacturing processes and digital tools to accelerate the development and certification of lighter, more sustainable aerostructures. Its approach aligns with DS Industry’s focus on digitalisation as a means of optimising processes and on advanced manufacturing capable of reducing resource consumption and environmental impacts.

The alignment between the pillars of the event and those of Zabala Innovation therefore extends beyond its presence as an exhibitor. The nine projects span areas ranging from clean fuels and hydrogen to energy storage, renewable energy, circularity, advanced materials and artificial intelligence. At the same time, they embody three of Zabala Innovation’s pillars: Energy and Decarbonisation, Sustainability and Circular Economy, and Digitalisation and Advanced Manufacturing.

“DS Industry will be a great opportunity to raise the profile of projects that are already working on the challenges addressed by the event itself: how to decarbonise industry, make better use of energy and materials, and translate innovation into practical solutions,” concludes Báscones.