Imagine a giant, high-tech battery that stores heat instead of electricity. It uses special materials that soak up heat like a sponge and hold onto it for up to two days. This allows factories to capture wasted heat or use cheap renewable power to keep their furnaces running without burning fossil fuels.
Heavy industries like steel and cement require continuous high-temperature heat but lack viable ways to decarbonize. Current storage options are either too expensive or cannot reach the necessary temperature thresholds.
A 50-kWh prototype (TRL 5) and upscaling models for factory integration using innovative phase-change materials and 3D-printed ceramic designs.
If you are a steel mill dealing with continuous high-temperature heat requirements and high CO2 emissions — this project developed a storage system that increases energy density by 350% compared to ceramic bricks. This allows you to replace fossil fuels with waste heat or renewable electricity.
If you are a glass manufacturer dealing with the need for constant heat and a limited factory footprint — this project developed a compact thermal storage solution with a lifespan exceeding 10 years. It aims for a return on investment within three years.
If you are a cement plant dealing with expensive energy costs and strict emission targets — this project developed a storage system with a levelized cost of energy below 6€/MWh. This is 60% lower than molten salt storage alternatives.
The preliminary analysis predicts a return on investment within three years and a levelized cost of stored energy below 6€/MWh.
The project is producing a 50-kWh prototype and creating models for upscaled systems tailored for factory integration.
The strategic exploitation plan targets the first factory implementation by 2030, with projected earnings of 286 million€ by 2040 through material sales and engineering services.
Based on available project data, this solution is 60% cheaper and operates at higher temperatures required by the metal and mineral industries.
The project runs until October 2026, with the goal of introducing the solution into the first factory by 2030.
The consortium is heavily industry-weighted with a 64% industry ratio, comprising 11 partners across 4 countries. It balances 4 public research teams with 7 industrial players, including 4 specialized manufacturers from the metal and ceramic sectors and 2 SMEs focused on process engineering and economic analysis, ensuring the research is grounded in manufacturing reality.
Contact the Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA) in France.
Contact SciTransfer to connect with the HEATERNAL consortium for early adoption opportunities.
