What is the Greendur Project?
Greendur is a deeptech startup on a mission to decarbonize industrial heat generation through cutting-edge thermal energy storage solutions. Industrial heat accounts for a massive two-thirds of industrial energy demand and relies heavily—about 70%—on fossil fuels, which leads to a staggering 9 billion tons of CO2 emissions every year. Greendur’s innovative thermal battery tackles this head-on by storing energy in a highly flexible and multifunctional system. It can use electricity or heat sourced from renewables, the grid, or even waste energy, and then deliver steam and clean heat up to 350°C. This system supports intra-day or day-to-day charging and discharging, making it perfect for managing industrial process heat from intermittent energy sources. The result? A serious cutback in CO2 emissions, lower energy costs, and greater energy independence for industries.
Main Benefits of Greendur’s Thermal Energy Storage
Here’s a quick snapshot of what Greendur brings to the table:
- Decarbonised Production: Cuts Scope 1 carbon footprint by 5-15%, significantly reducing CO2 emissions.
- Cost Reduction: Charges the thermal battery during off-peak hours using grid power or low-cost local renewables, slashing energy expenses.
- Boosted Energy Efficiency: Achieves system efficiency higher than 90%, enhanced by smart energy use and waste-heat recovery.
- Energy Independence: Reduces reliance on fossil fuels, ensuring a more affordable and sustainable energy supply.
- Energy Shifting: Balances energy generation and demand seamlessly, adapting to fluctuating energy availability.
How Greendur’s Technology Works
At the heart of Greendur’s approach lies a unique deeptech innovation based on phase change materials (PCMs). Unlike traditional sensible heat storage, PCMs offer a higher energy storage capacity and maintain a constant temperature during discharge—perfect for industrial applications that demand steady, reliable heat. This means industries can store thermal energy when it’s cheap or abundant and use it whenever needed, without losing efficiency or quality. The system’s flexibility allows it to integrate with various energy sources, including renewables and waste heat, making it a game-changer for sustainable industrial heat management.
Why Thermal Energy Storage Matters for Industry
Industrial processes often require heat at specific temperatures and times, but energy supply—especially from renewables—can be intermittent. Thermal energy storage bridges this gap by decoupling energy generation from consumption. This not only smooths out demand peaks but also enables industries to tap into cleaner energy sources without compromising on performance. Plus, by recovering waste heat and using it smartly, the system boosts overall energy efficiency, cutting down on unnecessary fuel use and emissions. It’s a win-win for both the planet and the bottom line.
Greendur’s Commitment to a Sustainable Industrial Future
Greendur isn’t just about technology; it’s about reshaping the industrial energy landscape. By introducing a new energy map inside industrial facilities based on thermal energy storage, the project fosters a more competitive and sustainable industrial sector. This commitment means industries can thrive while drastically reducing their environmental footprint. The thermal battery acts as a cornerstone for this transformation, enabling industries to become more resilient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly in the long run.
Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – Promotes sustainable energy solutions for industry.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Advances innovative industrial technologies.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Encourages efficient use of resources and energy.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Directly reduces greenhouse gas emissions from industrial heat.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Industrial Heat
As industries worldwide face mounting pressure to cut emissions and improve sustainability, solutions like Greendur’s thermal battery are becoming essential. By enabling industries to harness renewable energy and waste heat efficiently, this technology paves the way for a cleaner, smarter, and more independent energy future. The journey to decarbonize industrial heat is complex, but with innovations like these, it’s clear that a sustainable industrial revolution is not just possible—it’s already underway.
