HEINEKEN, Rondo Energy, and Energias de Portugal (EDP) have announced the installation of a 100 MWh Rondo Heat Battery (RHB) at the Central de Cervejas e Bebidas site in Lisbon. This project will become the largest installation of its kind in the global beverage industry, aiming to provide continuous renewable steam for brewing processes.
Rondo Energy’s technology allows intermittent electricity to be converted into high-temperature heat, stored in refractory bricks, and then released as steam. The heat battery will provide 7 MW of steam, powered by a combination of on-site solar panels and renewable electricity from the grid. EDP will supply this steam to HEINEKEN under a Heat-as-a-Service (HaaS) model, with Rondo providing the technology and EDP managing the energy supply.
A Combustion-Free Model for Unchanged Operations
The proposed solution does not require changes to existing infrastructure. The steam produced by the battery is identical to that generated by traditional boilers, without the need for fossil fuel combustion. HEINEKEN will be able to continue its production operations while reducing direct emissions.
The Lisbon site already uses electric heat pumps for hot water needs and on-site solar for internal power consumption. This installation is aimed at addressing one of the toughest challenges in industrial decarbonization: the supply of high-temperature heat.
Public-Private Financing and European Support
The project is supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Breakthrough Energy Catalyst, as part of a €75 million ($80 million) funding announced in 2024. The initiative aligns with the European Union’s climate goals, including a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
According to the EIB, this type of public-private partnership is central to its current climate roadmap. Breakthrough Energy Catalyst believes that Rondo’s heat battery provides an affordable and reliable path to industrial energy security in Europe.
Industrial Capacity and Opportunity for Iberia
The battery’s setup enables charging during the cheapest electricity hours of the day, transforming low-cost, intermittent renewable electricity into 24/7 steam. This flexibility also allows for smoothing demand on the grid, without disrupting production.
Iberia, with its favorable solar resource and available industrial spaces, could become Europe’s low-cost, low-emission industrial base. This installation marks the first use of Rondo Energy’s technology in the region.
A Scalable Model for Other Sectors
The HaaS solution, combining thermal storage, on-site renewable supply, and grid electricity optimization, is designed for wider deployment. It is considered adaptable for other industries needing heat, including food processing, chemicals, and paper manufacturing.
The aim is to allow industrial companies to adopt advanced technologies without complicating their operations. This project demonstrates how key players in the energy and food sectors can integrate innovative technologies into heavy industrial processes while addressing competitiveness and energy efficiency challenges.
