Copyright Interesting Engineering
Dutch-based brewer HEINEKEN’s brewery in Lisbon, Portugal, is about to run on renewable steam. Rondo Energy and energy producer EDP are installing a 100 MWh heat battery at the Central de Cervejas e Bebidas Brewery and Malting Plant. It will be the largest heat battery ever used in the global beverage industry. The system will supply 7 MW of steam powered by renewable electricity from solar and the grid, reducing emissions without altering the brewing process. The Rondo Heat Battery (RHB) stores electricity as heat using refractory bricks and releases it as steam over 24 hours, thereby eliminating the need for fossil fuel use. EDP will deliver the renewable steam directly to the brewery under a Heat-as-a-Service model, with Rondo providing the battery and EDP managing the power supply. “By combining our strengths with EDP and Rondo, we’re unlocking new ways to power our brewery operations more efficiently,” explained Magne Setnes, Chief Supply Chain Officer at HEINEKEN. “This project not only helps us reduce our reliance on conventional energy, but it also shows how practical innovation and strong partnerships can deliver meaningful improvements across our supply chain.” Brewing toward a zero-carbon future The brewer aims to reach net zero across its value chain by 2040 and decarbonize all its production sites by 2030. The Lisbon brewery already utilizes solar power and electric heat pumps for its hot water needs. Adding a renewable heat battery makes high-temperature steam — one of the most challenging aspects of brewing to electrify — fully carbon-free. This initiative aligns with Portugal’s national goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55 percent by 2030. By integrating local solar energy and advanced heat storage, the brewery becomes a model for sustainable manufacturing in southern Europe. Miguel Stilwell d’Andrade, CEO of EDP, remarked, “At EDP, we believe partnerships and breakthrough ideas will drive the future of industry. Deploying the world’s largest heat battery in the beverage sector – integrated into a brewery solution and powered by solar panels and a complementary green PPA – is not just about technology; it is about proving what is possible when we dare to push the boundaries. Together with HEINEKEN and Rondo, we are raising the bar for sustainability, one pint at a time.” How the Rondo Heat Battery works The Rondo Heat Battery captures electricity during low-cost hours, stores it as high-temperature heat in brick materials, and supplies steam on demand without combustion. It can operate at pressures over 100 bar, making it suitable for many industrial processes. This enables factories to operate continuously for 24 hours using renewable electricity instead of fossil fuels. The system offers flexible power demand, absorbing excess solar energy when available and alleviating strain on the grid during peak times. Replacing gas-fired boilers lowers both emissions and long-term energy costs. Rondo’s approach can help industries such as food processing, paper, and pharmaceuticals transition to clean energy without requiring major infrastructure changes. Backed by Europe’s green investment The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Breakthrough Energy Catalyst are supporting Rondo projects across Europe with €75 million in funding. Their investment helps accelerate the large-scale deployment of heat batteries for industrial use. “Boosting competitiveness and decarbonizing Europe’s industry through affordable renewable energy is a key priority for the EIB Group,” noted EIB Vice President Karl Nehammer. “Through our new Climate Bank Roadmap, we are prioritizing innovative solutions such as Rondo’s heat battery. This project is exactly the kind of public-private partnership we aim to support more of in the future.” Rondo CEO Eric Trusiewicz added, “We are thrilled to be installing our first Rondo Heat Battery in Iberia, and to support HEINEKEN to reach its goals. We look forward to helping industries across Iberia cut costs and carbon, and help Iberia capitalize on the opportunity.”
