Kyoto Group has officially launched its second European Heatcube, the largest industrial thermal energy storage system in the world, at KALL Ingredients’ corn processing facility in Tiszapüspöki, Hungary. This marks a significant advancement in the decarbonization of industry.
The 56 MWh Heatcube is expected to deliver over 30 GWh of clean process heat each year, replacing natural gas and potentially reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 8,000 tons annually.
Morten Bülow, CEO of Kyoto Group, stated, “This is a tremendous leap forward for Kyoto Group and for affordable, clean industrial heat. Our Heat-as-a-Service model allows KALL Ingredients to access reliable, emission-free steam while improving grid flexibility in Hungary.”
The KALL facility is one of Europe’s newest corn processing plants, capable of processing up to 530,000 tons of corn annually. It produces starches for various industries, including food, paper, and industrial products, as well as alcohol for pharmaceuticals and sweeteners for the food sector, along with animal feed ingredients.
Maarten Welten, Managing Director of KALL Ingredients, emphasized, “Sustainability is at the heart of our operations. Kyoto’s Heatcube provides a stable and cost-effective supply of clean process heat, enabling us to lower energy costs and move toward complete reliance on renewable energy.”
Innovative Heat-as-a-Service Model
The KALL installation was made possible through a strategic collaboration involving Kyotherm (the majority investor), Energiabörze (the energy trading partner and minority investor), and Kyoto Group (the technology provider), all operating under a 15-year Heat-as-a-Service agreement via a Hungarian single-purpose vehicle (SPV).
Arnaud Susplugas, CEO of Kyotherm, remarked, “Thermal storage solutions like Heatcube demonstrate how industries can decarbonize while adding value to the power system. The surplus of intermittent renewable energy will be substantial and will shape the energy landscape in the coming decade. We are proud to support this landmark project.”
Enhanced Flexibility
The Heatcube at KALL Ingredients will function as an asset in the flexibility markets, utilizing intermittent renewable energy when available while supplying steam for industrial processes.
András Vinkovits, Chairman of Energiabörze, noted, “As renewable energy expands in Hungary, flexible storage is crucial. With Heatcube, we can participate in reserve markets and reduce costs for the industry.”
Thermal Energy Day Precedes Inauguration
The inauguration ceremony follows Thermal Energy Day, hosted by Kyoto Group in Budapest, Hungary, where industry leaders, including Jan Rosenow, McKinsey & Company, Aurora Energy Research, BASF, and others, discussed the future of industrial heat. An on-demand version of the event is available for viewing.
The Technology
Kyoto’s Heatcube is a modular thermal energy storage system that offers industrial customers low-cost, renewable-based heat while minimizing CO₂ emissions. It utilizes intermittent renewable energy to heat molten salt to over 400°C, storing between 39 MWh and 104 MWh, and providing up to 14 MW of discharge power. The stored energy is released as high-temperature steam for various industrial production processes.
Source: Kyoto Group
