Advancing Sustainability: Highlights from the FRONTSH1P General Assembly in Bolzano
December 17, 2024

Author: Nora Scantamburlo

The FRONTSH1P General Assembly, held on December 5-6, 2024, at the NOI Techpark Alto Adige, brought together key partners to discuss the progress and future direction of the project. Supported by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 programme, FRONTSH1P aims to pioneer circular economy solutions that contribute to sustainability across Europe. The event offered a dynamic blend of in-person and remote participation, fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

Day 1: Technical Sessions and Progress Updates

The first day commenced with a plenary session led by STAM and KFLEX. Participants reviewed the current state of the project, addressing financial aspects, KPIs, and milestones. This was followed by technical presentations and discussions on several work packages (WPs):

  • WP2 and WP3 Tech: RIC and UNIBZ outlined key advancements in their respective domains, setting the stage for in-depth discussions.
  • WP4 Tech: NVMT shared innovative approaches in sustainable technology development.
  • WP5 and WP6 Tech: LNEG and KFLEX highlighted progress on circular economy applications, showcasing the project’s forward momentum.

The afternoon delved into cross-cutting themes, including lifecycle assessment (LCA), ecodesign, and policy and social aspects, with contributions from NTUA, LNEG, VELTHA, and UNILODZ. The day concluded with a focused session on WP7, led by STAM, summarizing progress and setting goals for the next phases.

Day 2: Collaborative Planning and Exploration

The second day prioritized strategic planning and collaboration. Sessions on WP8 and WP9, led by INL and EURADA, examined tools and strategies for maximizing project impact. A workshop followed, enabling all partners to prepare collectively for the upcoming in-person review meeting.

A highlight of the event was the opportunity to visit the University of Bolzano’s laboratories. Attendees witnessed critical project developments first-hand, including the creation of the combustion chamber and gasifier testing. These hands-on demonstrations showcased the incredible work and innovation driving the FRONTSH1P mission forward.

The General Assembly underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation in advancing the FRONTSH1P mission. By addressing technical, social, and environmental challenges, the project continues to build a solid foundation for achieving its sustainability goals. Events like this highlight the power of collective expertise in driving transformative change across Europe.