ENERGYNEST signs power-to-heat contract with LEONHARD KURZ

Thermal storage solutions firm ENERGYNEST has signed an agreement to supply a power-to-heat plus thermal storage system to German thin-film technology specialists LEONHARD KURZ.

LEONHARD KURZ is looking to reduce carbon emissions across its manufacturing supply chain and to this end will be deploying the power-to-heat solution at the Sulzbach-Rosenberg facility. The facility consumes over 4GWhth of process heat annually, making it a good candidate for electrification and emissions reduction.

LEONHARD KURZ, while aiming for carbon-neutral production by 2040, currently requires a great deal of process heat at high temperatures for its production processes. Currently, this is supplied by natural gas boilers.

To reduce the need for natural gas and its carbon footprint, KURZ will deploy ENERGYNEST’s power-to-heat solution, featuring a 3MWe electrical heater and a 12MWhth ThermalBattery. The system will integrate into KURZ’s existing thermal oil infrastructure.

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The power-to-heat system will allow KURZ to use excess solar power from its on-site PV field. This solar power will be converted into high temperature heat. According to ENERGYNEST, over 3GWhth of clean heat will be provided annually, covering more than 70% of the heat demand for one of the site’s production lines.

More than 40% of heat demand will be met directly from stored heat, which will increase efficiency and reliability. Furthermore, natural gas consumption will be reduced by more than 3.5GWh per year, cutting more than 700 tons of CO2 emissions.

This contract is a milestone for ENERGYNEST, marking the company’s first sale of a complete turnkey power-to-heat solution.

ENERGYNEST CEO, Alex Robertson, commented on the announcement: “Electrification of industrial heat is essential for decarbonizing global manufacturing and supply chains. By partnering with LEONHARD KURZ, ENERGYNEST is showcasing a scalable and effective decarbonization strategy that can be replicated worldwide. This agreement is a proof point that industrial energy transition is not just a necessity — it’s happening now.”

Ralph Hopfensitz, executive senior vice president of Global Technology at LEONHARD KURZ, added:
“The shift to electrified, renewable-based industrial heat is a game changer for manufacturing. This is a pivotal innovation that strengthens our long-term energy strategy and accelerates our transition towards CO₂-neutral production.”

Driving industrial decarbonisation is a focus for the European Commission, which just passed the Clean Industrial Deal in February this year. The policy package highlights the need for European industries to embrace green transformation and circularity in order to maintain competitiveness on a global stage.