How Can Factories Generate Their Own Electricity and Heat? INNIO Jenbacher at SEE ENERGY 2026

Gas engines, combined heat and power (CHP), large-scale heat pumps and gas turbines are becoming increasingly important for industrial companies seeking greater energy security and better control over operating costs. How can manufacturers identify the right combination of technologies, and when does on-site energy generation make economic sense? These questions will be explored by INNIO Group, the company behind Jenbacher gas engines, at SEE ENERGY 2026 – ENERGY FOR INDUSTRY, taking place on 4–5 November in Novi Sad, Serbia.

When Factories Become Energy Producers

For industrial companies, energy is no longer simply an operating expense. Electricity and gas prices, supply reliability and the need to reduce emissions increasingly influence competitiveness, production planning and long-term investment decisions.

As a result, manufacturers are exploring solutions that enable them to generate electricity and heat directly at their facilities or use available energy resources more efficiently.

These technologies include gas engines, gas turbines, combined heat and power (CHP) systems, large-scale industrial heat pumps and waste heat recovery solutions.

Each technology serves a different purpose.

Gas engines and turbines provide dispatchable electricity generation, often combined with useful heat production. Large-scale heat pumps enable the electrification of certain industrial heating processes, while waste heat recovery systems reduce the need for additional energy generation.

The key question for industry is therefore not which technology is best in isolation, but which combination delivers the greatest value for a specific industrial facility.

INNIO Jenbacher – Decentralized Energy Solutions for Industry

INNIO Group is a global provider of decentralized energy solutions, headquartered in Munich, Germany, with more than 5,000 employees and a presence in approximately 100 countries.

The company designs, manufactures and services high-performance energy systems under its Jenbacher and Waukesha brands, serving industrial facilities, microgrids, data centers, grid stabilization applications and other sectors requiring reliable and flexible power generation.

Jenbacher gas engines are used for electricity generation and combined heat and power applications, where heat recovered from engine operation can be utilized in industrial processes, heating systems or hot water production.

The Jenbacher portfolio covers a broad range of power outputs, from approximately 250 kW to more than 10 MW per unit, making the technology suitable for different industrial and energy applications.

One of the key advantages of Jenbacher technology is its ability to operate on various gaseous fuels, including natural gas, biogas, biomethane and certain industrial gases.

INNIO also develops hydrogen-capable solutions, depending on the engine type and technical configuration.

Beyond equipment supply, the company provides maintenance, modernization and digital monitoring services designed to support reliable operation throughout the equipment lifecycle.

For industrial customers, this means evaluating energy investments not only in terms of equipment acquisition costs, but also long-term reliability, availability and total energy production costs.

Combined Heat and Power: Producing Electricity and Heat from One Fuel Source

For industrial facilities with simultaneous electricity and heating requirements, combined heat and power can offer significant advantages.

Instead of purchasing electricity from the grid while producing heat separately in a boiler plant, CHP systems enable both forms of energy to be generated within a single integrated system.

A gas engine drives a generator to produce electricity, while heat from the exhaust gases and engine cooling systems is recovered for useful applications.

Depending on the system configuration and the ability to utilize recovered heat, overall CHP efficiency can reach approximately 90%.

This approach can be particularly relevant for food processing, chemical, pharmaceutical and other industries with continuous electricity and thermal energy requirements.

However, CHP is not a universal solution for every industrial facility.

Its economic feasibility depends on electricity and fuel prices, annual operating hours, thermal demand, investment costs and the ability to utilize the generated energy efficiently.

Selecting the right technology therefore requires a detailed analysis of the facility's actual consumption profile rather than a simple comparison of installed equipment capacities.

Biogas and Industrial By-products as Energy Resources

Another important application of Jenbacher technology is energy generation from biogas and alternative gaseous fuels.

Biogas can be produced through the anaerobic digestion of organic materials, including residues from food processing, agriculture and wastewater treatment.

Instead of treating these materials solely as waste, companies can explore opportunities to convert them into useful electricity and heat.

Jenbacher engines are used internationally in biogas plants, wastewater treatment facilities, landfill gas applications and other projects where available gaseous fuels can be converted into energy.

For Serbia, with its significant agricultural and food-processing sectors, this is a particularly relevant opportunity.

Industrial companies generating organic by-products or operating wastewater treatment facilities may consider energy models in which part of their electricity and heat demand is met through locally available resources.

The feasibility of such projects depends on feedstock quantities and composition, biogas production stability, electricity and heat requirements, and the management of residual materials.

Gas Engines, Solar Power and Battery Storage – How Can They Work Together?

Industrial energy systems are becoming increasingly complex.

More companies are considering investments in on-site solar power plants, battery energy storage systems (BESS) and advanced energy management solutions.

Solar PV can reduce electricity purchases from the grid, but generation depends on solar irradiation and weather conditions.

Battery storage can help manage short-term energy surpluses and deficits, shift electricity consumption across different periods and, in suitable configurations, reduce peak demand.

Gas engines can complement these technologies by providing dispatchable electricity generation when solar output is insufficient or additional operational flexibility is required.

Particularly interesting are systems in which a gas engine simultaneously supplies electricity and useful heat, while solar PV and battery storage contribute to optimizing the facility's electricity balance.

However, combining these technologies does not automatically guarantee the most cost-effective solution.

Their operation must be coordinated with production requirements, energy prices and technical grid connection conditions.

The future of industrial energy is therefore not about relying on a single technology, but about integrating different solutions into an efficient, reliable and economically viable system.

Industrial Electrification and On-Site Energy Generation – Two Complementary Approaches

The industrial energy transition is frequently discussed in terms of electrification, but this concept does not encompass every transformation taking place in industrial energy systems.

Electrification refers to replacing processes traditionally powered by fossil fuels with technologies that use electricity.

Large-scale industrial heat pumps are one example, enabling facilities to use electricity and available waste heat to meet certain heating and process heat requirements.

Gas engines and gas turbines, on the other hand, provide on-site, dispatchable electricity generation, often combined with useful heat production.

These technologies can play complementary roles within an industrial energy system.

For manufacturers planning energy infrastructure upgrades, it is important to assess both electrification opportunities and more efficient on-site generation, considering their effects on operating costs, emissions and energy security.

SEE ENERGY 2026: THE ELECTRIC FACTORY – Choosing the Right Energy System for Industry

These challenges will be at the center of the panel:

THE ELECTRIC FACTORY – HOW CAN INDUSTRY COMBINE GAS ENGINES, TURBINES AND HEAT PUMPS?

The discussion will bring together representatives of INNIO Jenbacher, Siemens Energy, Wärtsilä and LG Electronics, representing different technological approaches to electricity generation, combined heat and power, industrial heat pumps and waste heat recovery.

INNIO will be represented by Teki Suajibi, contributing expertise in gas engines, CHP applications and flexible on-site power generation.

The panel will focus on practical questions facing industrial companies when planning energy investments:

• When is a gas engine the optimal solution, and when should a factory consider a gas turbine or a large-scale heat pump?

• How should the required electricity and thermal capacity be determined?

• Under which operating conditions does CHP deliver the greatest benefits?

• How can waste heat be recovered and primary energy consumption reduced?

• How can dispatchable generation be integrated with solar PV and battery storage?

• How can industrial facilities improve energy security while maintaining control over operating costs?

• Which technical and economic factors have the greatest impact on investment feasibility?

The objective is to help industrial companies understand the capabilities of different technologies and how they can be combined to meet actual production and energy requirements.

SEE ENERGY 2026 – Putting Industry at the Center of the Energy Transition

The seventh edition of SEE ENERGY 2026 – ENERGY FOR INDUSTRY, organized by the National Biomass Association SERBIO, will take place on 4–5 November 2026 at the Čeličana Cultural Station, in the District area of Novi Sad, Serbia.

The international conference and energy technology exhibition will bring together industrial companies, energy technology providers, investors, project developers, engineering companies, grid operators and financial institutions.

This year's program addresses a central question: how can industry secure more affordable, reliable and cleaner energy in the coming years through on-site generation, energy efficiency, renewable energy integration and appropriate financing models?

In addition to industrial electricity and heat generation, the conference will cover smart energy management, waste-to-energy solutions, solar PV, battery storage, active energy consumers and financing industrial energy investments.

The event will also feature an energy technology exhibition and organized B2B meetings, connecting industrial energy needs with technology providers and potential investment partners.

INNIO Jenbacher's participation will bring valuable expertise to the discussion on how industrial companies can develop more reliable, flexible and efficient energy systems tailored to their production requirements.

SEE ENERGY 2026 – ENERGY FOR INDUSTRY

4–5 November 2026 | Čeličana Cultural Station, District, Novi Sad, Serbia

International Conference | Energy Technology Exhibition | B2B Meetings

Information and registration: https://events-serbio.rs/

From Waste to Energy: How Biomethane Is Changing the Game

As the world rapidly seeks sustainable energy sources, biomethane stands out as one of the most promising solutions for decarbonizing industry and strengthening energy stability.
Produced by processing agricultural residues, food industry waste, and manure, biomethane simultaneously reduces CO₂ emissions and promotes the circular use of resources.

Its potential and role in the regional energy mix will be discussed during a panel session at the SEE ENERGY 2025 – Connect & Supply conference (October 28–29, 2025, Master Center, Novi Sad), which will bring together representatives of companies and institutions dedicated to the development of biomethane technologies.
One of the key participants will be Marko Radin, Sales Manager at BIOGEST®, who will share practical experience and present innovative solutions and technologies for biomethane production in the region.

Austrian Technology, Global Results

BIOGEST®, headquartered in Austria, is one of the leading international manufacturers of biogas and biomethane plants.
With more than 30 years of experience, presence in over 20 countries, and more than 200 successfully implemented projects, BIOGEST has developed and applied its proprietary PowerRing technology, known for its high efficiency and reliability.

Its integrated approach covers all phases — from project development and planning, through co-investment and turnkey construction, to the operation of its own plants under the BIOP (Own Plant Operations) model.

One of the company’s most renowned projects is located in the Fucino Valley in Italy, where over 75,000 tons of agricultural residues are processed annually, including poultry manure and vegetable processing waste such as fennel.
This innovative plant produces 500 Nm³ of biomethane per hour, enough to supply around 3,800 households per year with renewable energy.
In addition, the facility produces organic fertilizer for local agriculture and food-grade CO₂ as a valuable by-product.

Thanks to its contribution to sustainability, the Collarmele plant has been recognized internationally, ranking among the top three finalists in the “Net Zero Circular Solutions” category at the AD & Biogas Industry Awards 2025.

Circular Economy in Action

BIOGEST plants are designed as closed-loop systems — waste becomes a resource, greenhouse gas and nitrogen emissions are reduced, and local communities are strengthened through cooperation with farms and shorter transport chains.
The planned installation of photovoltaic systems will further contribute to energy self-sufficiency and operational efficiency.

Biomethane as a Pillar of the Energy Transition

The panel “Biomethane – Potential and Application in the Regional Energy Mix” at SEE ENERGY 2025 will showcase how biomethane can become a key element of the region’s energy transition.
Participants will present best practice examples, financing models, and technical solutions that are already transforming the energy landscape of Serbia and the Western Balkans.

Marko Radin from BIOGEST will share insights on the implementation of biomethane projects and the role of innovation in accelerating the shift toward sustainable energy sources.

Biomethane is no longer the energy of the future – it is the energy of today, demonstrating how knowledge, technology, and cooperation can build a more secure and greener economy.

SEE ENERGY 2025 – Connect & Supply

October 28–29, 2025
Master Center, Novi Sad

Join regional leaders in energy, industry, and investment to explore how biomethane is shaping the sustainable energy future.

Register now and secure your place at the region’s premier energy business event!

SEE ENERGY 2025 – Energy Transition Today: Challenges, Solutions and Future Trends

Date: October 28–29, 2025
Venue: Master Centre, Novi Sad

On October 28–29, 2025, Novi Sad will become the regional hub of energy transition, hosting the seventh edition of the international conference SEE ENERGY – Connect & Supply. This traditional event brings together key stakeholders from the energy sector, industry, financial institutions, local governments, and international partners, with the aim of offering sustainable solutions for the future through concrete examples and discussions.

Under the slogan “Challenges, Solutions and Future Trends for a Sustainable Future”, the conference will feature a rich two-day program including panel discussions, interactive workshops, and B2B meetings. The seventh edition will focus on the following key topics: biomass as a source of sustainable energy, biomethane, heat pumps and district heating systems, waste management and circular economy, industrial decarbonization and ESG challenges, smart energy management, SCADA and digitalization, battery energy storage, and financing energy efficiency – ESCO models, subsidies and EU funds.

“SEE ENERGY is not just a conference – it is a platform where ideas turn into investments, and challenges become opportunities for growth and innovation,” emphasize the organizers from the National Biomass Association SERBIO.

More information and registration are available at: events-serbio.rs

EVENT:  SEE ENERGY - Connect & Supply V, "Western Balkans meet new energy challenges" 

DATE:  October, 13-14th 2022

LOCATION: Hotel "Sheraton", Novi Sad, online via Zoom platform and YouTube channel

PROGRAM 

REGISTRATION - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Renewable energy supply and the transition to green energy are becoming increasingly important, especially during the energy crisis in Europe. Dealing with high oil, electricity and gas prices has an increasingly negative impact on citizens and the economy in the European Union. At the meeting of the European Council held on March 24 and 25 this year, it was announced that the member states will work together with the European Commission on the joint purchase of gas, hydrogen, and liquefied natural gas.

At the same time, the Western Balkans region is going through an energy crisis, and a common approach makes it easier to finance green energy and abandon coal use, said the Deputy Director of the Energy Community Secretariat, Dirk Bushle.

The fifth international investment conference SEE ENERGY- Connect & Supply on "Western Balkans to meet new energy challenges" will be held on October 13 and 14 this year at the Sheraton Hotel, Novi Sad.

The National Biomass Association "SERBIO" and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, EBRD will present the situation, current challenges, and future projects and potential solutions in the future energy transition of the entire Western Balkans region during the two-day event.

Over 40 energy experts, representatives of investors, the economy, and the most crucial state institutions from Serbia, Croatia, BiH, Northern Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Slovenia, etc., will talk about the most current topic - regional energy situation, oil,  and electricity prices and future challenges, presenting solutions, technologies and sources of funding.

Austria is this year's partner country of the conference, and in addition to Austrian representatives of equipment and services, the event will be attended by representatives of companies from Germany and Italy. Considering the topicality of the topic, the interest is great, and the topics of the conference were distributed in two days in all conference halls of the "Sheraton" hotel in Novi Sad.

The two-day event will be officially opened by the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia and the Minister of Mining and Energy, Prof. PhD. Zorana Mihajović, Mr. Matteo Colangeli, director of the EBRD for the Western Balkans, as well as high-ranking officials, representatives of the Energy Community Secretariat, the Austrian embassy, ​​the EU Delegation in Serbia, as well as Mayor of the city of Novi Sad.

Topics:

• RES IN DISTRICT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS - co-organizer of the event - EBRD, REdeWeB program, Ministry of Mining and Energy, Secretariat of the Energy Community, AERS, EPS, Novi Sad Plant, PU "Toplane Srbije", Banja Luka Plant, Sarajevo Plant, Kragujevac Plant
• GREEN TRANSITION AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE GREEN AGENDA - Chamber of Commerce of Serbia, Center for Circular Economy, UNDP, Consultare Croatia, WABIO, SGS company
• POTENTIAL AND DEVELOPMENT OF BIOMASS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NATIONAL CIRCULAR ECONOMY - National Association for Biomass "SERBIO" - Wabio, Conslutare, Polytechnik GmbH, ProCredit banka, Erste banka
• USING SOLAR ENERGY THROUGH THE BUYER - MANUFACTURER APPROACH,  challenges and solutions, design, technologies, financing: co-organizer of the event - GIZ, program "Promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency in Serbia" - Ministry of Mining and Energy, EDS, EPS, Ministry of Finance RS, Ministry economy, Energy Net, Viessmann, MT Komex
• FINANCING RESEARCH PROJECTS - ERSTE, OTP, ProCredit bank, Ministry of Mining and Energy, Ministry of Economy, AON Corporation - ACB
• DEVELOPMENT OF ELECTROMOBILITY IN SERBIA, E-bus in Novi Sad - Schneider Electric, Siemens Serbia, ABB, charge&GO

Topics are intended for industry, economy, agriculture, households, public companies, banks and local governments.

The event is organized with the co-organization of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development EBRD and the German Organization for International Cooperation GIZ, with the support of the Ministry of Mining and Energy, the Austrian Chamber of Commerce, the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, PU "Toplane Serbia", regional associations and associations.

SEE ENERGY-Connect & Supply IV

"Development of the bioenergy market in the energy system and district heating systems"

12-13 October 2022, hotel "Sheraton", Novi Sad, SERBIA 

Target group/participants

Technology: Equipment manufacturers (domestic and foreign), equipment distributors, equipment installers,

Investment support - subsidies: state, banks, private investment funds, EU organizations

Technical and project documentation: engineers, designers, lawyers, development agencies

End-users: companies, heating plants, industry, electricity distribution, farmers, state and local government, energy agency, professional associations, pellet manufacturers, pellet machine manufacturers, service technicians, measuring instrument suppliers, forestry farms, agricultural farms, producers with organic by-products: wood processors, mills...

Sector Information / Event Description

FIND OUT INFORMATION FROM THE SECTOR

Current world policies and market trends. Potentials and challenges of the RES market in Serbia and the Western Balkans region. The current framework, resource supply and sustainability of bioenergy. Barrier analysis and bioenergy improvement measures.

MEET EXPERIENCED EXPERTS

International practice and business know-how. Successful examples from the region and useful tips. Licenses, permits and project preparation.

FIND OUT ABOUT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Overview of investment opportunities and planned capacities. Remote projects heating and cogeneration plants that require investment.

FIND A PARTNER IN THE PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION

Funding and co-financing opportunities. International experiences and public-private partnership.

TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS AND EQUIPMENT

Advanced technologies and equipment for power plants and thermal energy from biomass, cogeneration plants and district heating system heating. Innovative applications.

Topics

Support for the development of RES in Serbia, District heating systems in cooling and heating, The transition from gas to biomass, District heating in cities - good practices, Technological solutions and innovations, Technological solutions and innovations for efficient distribution of thermal energy, Sustainable distribution cogeneration systems, Legal aspects of investment and insurance, Investments and support for investment projects, Solar thermal, Heat pumps, Thermal energy from waste, Wood biomass and sustainable supply of raw materials, Wood chipping and pellet production

Partner/co-organizer:  EBRD, ReDEWeB fund

Support: GIZ 

Organizer: National Biomass Association “SERBIO”

Program of the Investment conference: SEE ENERGY Connect & Supply III 2021, October 6-7, 2021

International Investment Conference: SEE ENERGY- Connect & Supply III, 6-7 October 2021

Event announcement:

The third International Investment Conference with business meetings - SEE ENERGY Connect & Supply III 2021 will be held on 6^th and 7^th October, 2021 in Novi Sad, hotel "Sheraton".

This year, the already well-known meeting place of business leaders, investors, decision-makers, representatives of public institutions and state bodies will exchange opinions, knowledge and information on the latest technological achievements, innovations and solutions in the field of renewable energy sources focused on the environmental protection and water management.

The two-day conference will present the potential as well as financial and institutional support for investment projects through modern green energy production technologies.

Farm owners will have the opportunity to learn about ways to efficiently use and reduce costs in the collection of biomass through the logistics of harvesting residues, transport and storage, ensiling and cleaning.

The second day of the conference is dedicated to the production of thermal energy, but in a way that does not pollute the environment, as well as the topic of water management, water supply and wastewater treatment.

The organizer, National Biomass Association "SERBIO" will host representatives of companies and investors from Austria, Germany, Hungary and the region, to exchange experiences, examples of good practice and potential joint projects. The conference will be held, like the previous time, with the physical presence of those interested, following the virus protection measures that will be current at that time, as well as through the online version of the already accepted way of holding meetings and gatherings.

You can view the conference program at the following link.

For all additional information, suggestions as well as participation in the conference, you can contact the project manager, Jelena Bunčić, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The German Business Delegation in Serbia partnered with the Federal Ministry of Economy and Energy of FR Germany in cooperation with Ecleron organized a Conference on biomass and biogas on April 5th in Serbia.

The conference offered a broad thematic review of the potential of bioenergy in Serbia with an overview of the energy, economic and political situation in Serbia, as well as specific investment opportunities of German companies with practical advice on entering the market. Also representatives of companies from Germany, presented their technologies and experience in the development of the bioenergy sector. The Press release of the German Business Delegation in Serbia can be downloaded here.

The president of the National Biomass Association SERBIO, Vojislav Milijić was one of the speakers, and in addition to presenting the investment opportunities in the use of biomass in Serbia, g. Milijić also briefly presented the current BIORES project ( www.bioresproject.eu ).