As factories around the world race to cut emissions while managing rising energy costs, one challenge remains stubbornly unsolved: industrial heat. With more than two thirds of industrial energy consumption still tied to high temperature processes powered by fossil fuels, decarbonising heat has become one of the toughest obstacles in the global energy transition. Radiant, a French solar thermal pioneer, is positioning itself to break through that barrier. The company has secured 2 million euros in new funding and earned a spot in Hexas Carbon Zero acceleration programme as it prepares to scale its next generation solar heat system for heavy industry.
Targeting a High Impact Climate Challenge
Industrial heat is both essential and energy intensive. Sectors such as cement, glass, asphalt, chemicals, and metals rely on temperatures far beyond what conventional renewable systems can deliver cost effectively. As a result, many operators continue to rely on oil and gas, despite rising carbon pressures.
Radiant aims to change this by modernising solar thermal power for industrial use. Its system integrates advanced heliostats, a proprietary high temperature receiver, and thermal energy storage, creating a flexible solar heat solution capable of reaching process temperatures from 200 degrees Celsius up to 1,000 degrees Celsius. This covers a wide range of industrial applications while providing stable, controllable heat output.
A Technology Platform Rooted in Deep Research
The company’s technology builds on more than 15 years of research at the German Aerospace Center. According to CTO Alexandre Meurisse, Radiant can generate hot air above 1,000 degrees Celsius, surpassing the capabilities of most commercial solar heat systems today. By combining precise heliostat design with a receiver optimised for heat concentration and transfer, Radiant delivers high thermal efficiency and a compact footprint suitable for industrial sites.
Thermal energy storage is a key part of the system. It allows customers to smooth output, maintain operations beyond daylight hours, and reduce dependence on fossil fuel backup systems. This also helps industrial operators manage cost volatility by replacing fuel based heat with a stable solar sourced alternative.
Replacing the Burners Behind Heavy Industry
Radiant’s solution is designed to integrate directly into existing industrial equipment and process lines. Instead of gas burners or oil fired boilers, facilities can use Radiant’s solar powered system to deliver the same temperatures required for kilns, dryers, and other thermal equipment. Early interest has come from companies in the asphalt, glass, and cement sectors, all of which face significant pressure to decarbonise while maintaining competitive operational costs.
CEO Thomas Delhon said the mission is to give heat intensive industries a practical, cost stable pathway to reduce emissions without compromising performance. The combination of high temperatures, storage capability, and operational control allows the technology to fit into real world industrial constraints.
Funding to Build First Industrial Demonstrator
The new 2 million euro round includes minority investment from the business angel networks Tiresias Angels and Selim Cherif. The capital will support construction of Radiants first industrial scale demonstrator in Le Mans. This site is intended to prove the scalability of the technology and validate Radiants ability to integrate its system into operational industrial environments.
Participation in the Carbon Zero programme provides additional expertise, connections, and support as the company prepares for broader deployment.
Scaling Toward Global Industrial Decarbonisation
Radiant plans to expand beyond France and pursue international markets where industrial heat represents a major source of emissions. With industries under intense regulatory and commercial pressure to decarbonise, high temperature solar thermal solutions are emerging as a critical missing link in the transition away from fossil fuels.
By bringing together deep research, advanced engineering, and industrial practicality, Radiant aims to become a leading player in the decarbonisation of industrial heat at scale.
