CUPRATHERM – Thermal Storage System for Industrial Processes Based on Copper Slag - 2025/2027

The CUPRATHERM project develops a modular thermal energy storage system based on copper slag, targeting industrial applications under the Power-to-Heat framework. This approach aims to harness surplus renewable electricity by converting it into stored heat, which can then be flexibly supplied to industrial processes.

Copper slag, an abundant byproduct of mining, offers a low-cost material with good thermal capacity. A scalable system was built to operate at high temperatures, supporting the decarbonization of heat-intensive industrial processes. The use of a residual material, combined with modular integration, demonstrates a technically and environmentally viable solution for advancing toward a more sustainable and energy-efficient industry.

Funding Program: Fundación COPEC-UC

Project Duration: 24 months

Principal Investigators: José Miguel Cardemil, Rodrigo Escobar