START Project Newsletter – Issue #8 (May 2026): Final Results and Legacy of Sustainable Thermoelectric Technologies from Mine Waste

This record contains Issue #8 (May 2026) of the START Project Newsletter, marking the final edition published at the conclusion of the project (2022–2026). The newsletter provides a comprehensive overview of the project’s main achievements, highlighting the development of a full value chain for sustainable thermoelectric technologies based on tetrahedrite materials derived from European mine waste. It summarises results across all technical work packages, including: selection and processing of mine waste resources, mechanochemical synthesis and optimisation of thermoelectric materials, material characterisation and performance assessment, device fabrication, validation and demonstration, and innovation, exploitation strategies, and roadmap development. The issue also presents the final project outcomes and demonstrators, confirming the environmental and economic potential of tetrahedrite-based thermoelectric devices as sustainable alternatives to conventional tellurium-based materials. In addition, the newsletter documents dissemination, training, and outreach activities, including workshops, final events, and innovative science communication tools such as the STARTY comics and the “Energy from Waste Heat” serious game, designed to engage broader audiences and support knowledge transfer. Finally, it outlines the project’s long-term legacy, including the establishment of the Sustainable Thermoelectric Alliance (STA), the START European Thermoelectric Systems (SETS) service company, and the START Technology Marketplace, ensuring continued collaboration, innovation, and market uptake beyond the project lifetime. Overall, this newsletter serves as a concise yet comprehensive summary of the START project’s contributions to circular economy, critical raw materials valorisation, and sustainable energy technologies in Europe.