The main goal of the GREENOLIVE project is to promote decarbonization in the industrial sector of the Mediterranean region through the use of solar energy. This initiative will foster innovation in energy efficiency in Turkey, Egypt, France, Italy, Spain, and Palestine. The project, which will run until 2028, involves an interdisciplinary team from the University of Barcelona, led by Professor Inés Fernández from the Centre for Design and Optimization of Processes and Materials (DIOPMA), and includes members from the Faculties of Chemistry and Economics and Business.
GREENOLIVE is a forward-looking initiative that tackles one of the Mediterranean's most urgent challenges: reducing greenhouse gas emissions from industries. At the same time, it will promote innovation, sustainability, and regional cooperation. The project reflects a shared commitment to building a greener, low-carbon, and more sustainable Mediterranean economy. It is funded by the European Union under the Interreg NEXT MED programme, with a total project budget of €2.7 million, of which 89% is contributed by the European Union.
The project, led by eCampus University (Italy), involves a consortium that includes the University of Barcelona, Cukurova University (Turkey), the Centre for Energy, Environmental and Technological Research (CIEMAT, Spain), ASCHEM Petrochemical Industry Co (Turkey), R2M Solution SAS (France), Al-Quds University (Palestine), and the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (Egypt).
Greater energy efficiency at a lower cost
GREENOLIVE will tackle the challenge of achieving clean energy in the Mediterranean through a pilot project developed in Turkey, based on an innovative solar system to decarbonize the plastics industry. Using a 600 kWe photovoltaic plant and power-to-heat technology, the system is expected to reduce fossil fuel use by 18-22% at one of the world's largest polymer producers - ASCHEM Petrochemical Industry Co - thereby lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
Beyond the plastics industry, the project will develop implementation plans for the textile and agri-food industries, as well as for the residential sector. A GREENOLIVE training kit - which includes laboratory-scale replicas, workshops, and educational tools - together with a White Paper, will ensure the transfer of knowledge to industries, policymakers, the scientific community, and society.
Additionally, GREENOLIVE has nine partners who will support the implementation of innovations arising from the project. At the initial meeting, held at eCampus University in November 2025, the foundations were laid for joint action focused on technical design, demonstration planning, replication pathways, and communication strategy. Project updates, results, and participation opportunities will be shared throughout its development.
