In an exciting development for the decarbonization of Europe’s industrial sector, a California-based battery startup, Rondo Energy, has joined forces with Portugal’s energy company, EDP, to deploy its innovative “superhot brick batteries” technology.
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Rondo Energy’s Superhot Brick Batteries Set to Revolutionize Europe’s Industrial Decarbonization Efforts
Rondo Energy has developed a unique heat battery system that converts renewable energy into high temperatures, capable of powering industrial activities. Through this partnership, Rondo will pair its technology with solar farms developed by EDP across Europe, with the aim of installing up to 2 gigawatts of heat battery capacity starting from 2025.
The deal marks a significant milestone for Rondo Energy, which has gained attention for its innovative approach to reducing CO2 emissions. The company’s founder and CEO, John O’Donnell, described the partnership as a “slingshot moment” for the startup.
Vera Pinto Pereira, a board member at EDP, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “By working with Rondo, we can meet their energy needs for renewable energy and heat in a cleaner, affordable, and reliable way. This partnership opens another decarbonization avenue that EDP wants to lead in Europe.”
Rondo Energy claims that its superhot brick batteries can reduce global CO2 emissions by up to 80% by providing a cost-effective alternative for industrial heat generation. Decarbonizing the industrial sector has been particularly challenging due to the reliance on fossil fuels, which are crucial for generating the high temperatures required for processes like steel and cement production.
The Rondo system utilizes electric heating elements to heat thousands of tons of clay bricks to temperatures reaching 1,500°C (2,732°F). These superhot bricks can maintain their heat for extended periods, losing less than 1% of their energy per day. By building systems at scale, Rondo aims to provide enough heat energy to power factories or run steam generators.
Last year, Rondo Energy secured $60 million in financing from investors, including Microsoft and Saudi Aramco, to accelerate the global rollout of its heat battery technology.
John O’Donnell, CEO of Rondo Energy, expressed confidence in the partnership, stating, “Working together, Rondo and EDP will deliver 24-hour clean heat to industrial customers at prices competitive with gas, and without any factory facility changes. This is a game-changer for Rondo, a game-changer for EDP, and a game-changer for their customers worldwide.”
The collaboration between Rondo Energy and EDP represents a significant step towards decarbonizing Europe’s manufacturing sector and helping industries weather the ongoing energy crisis while reducing their environmental impact.
