ENERGYNEST, the manufacturer of thermal storage systems, has signed a commercial agreement with LEONHARD KURZ to implement an innovative power-to-heat system with thermal storage. This collaboration strengthens industrial decarbonization efforts, showcasing a replicable model for reducing carbon emissions in manufacturing worldwide.
Committed to sustainability, Kurz aims for carbon-neutral production by 2040 and already sources 100% renewable electricity at its German operations. However, producing high-tech decorations requires process heat at high temperatures, traditionally supplied by natural gas boilers. The targeted production line at Kurz’s Sulzbach-Rosenberg facility consumes over 4 GWhth of process heat annually, making it a prime candidate for electrification and emissions reduction.
Power-to-heat technology converts renewable electricity, such as solar, wind, or off-peak grid power, into high-temperature heat. When paired with advanced thermal storage, it provides a reliable, flexible, and carbon-free energy source for industrial processes, helping manufacturers reduce their dependence on fossil fuels while maintaining operational efficiency. To significantly lower its carbon footprint, Kurz is integrating Energynest’s turnkey power-to-heat solution, featuring a 3 MWe electrical heater and a 12 MWhth ThermalBattery™. The system will seamlessly integrate into Kurz’s existing thermal oil infrastructure, providing stable, on-demand heat while drastically reducing reliance on natural gas. By adopting this system, Kurz will:
- Utilise excess solar energy from its on-site PV field;
- Benefit from a system that delivers over 3 GWhth of clean heat 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, ensuring greater energy efficiency and reliability;
- Reduce natural gas consumption by more than 3.5 GWh per year, cutting more than 700 tons of CO2 emissions.
This agreement marks Energynest’s first sale of a complete turnkey power-to-heat solution, proving the scalability of thermal storage technology for industrial applications. With Kurz’s global footprint, the success of this system demonstrates the cross-border potential for power-to-heat technology to decarbonize industrial sectors worldwide.
Kurz’s commitment to sustainable innovation aligns with EU-wide decarbonization initiatives, including ‘Fit for 55’ and the European Green Deal, reinforcing the company’s role in driving the industrial energy transition. By demonstrating the practicality of power-to-heat systems, Kurz and Energynest are paving the way for widespread adoption of industrial electrification in key manufacturing sectors worldwide, with a scalable, repeatable model for decarbonizing industrial heat.
