A groundbreaking heat battery has been deployed in the United Kingdom with the aim of reducing the industrial sector’s dependence on fossil fuels. Developed by Caldera, the innovative system can store up to 5 MWh of thermal energy and provide steam at temperatures above 200°C. Designed particularly for heat-intensive industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals, the technology efficiently converts electricity into heat and makes it available when needed. The solution can be integrated into existing boiler systems or replace them entirely, offering a low-cost and practical alternative to accelerate the industrial transition to clean energy.
Developed by British heat technology specialist Caldera, the system features a specially engineered solid core made from aluminum and iron pellets. Surrounded by a vacuum-insulated enclosure, the core allows heat to be retained for extended periods. The system can be charged during periods when electricity prices are low or renewable energy generation is high, enabling industrial facilities to produce high-temperature steam at a pressure of 16 bar.
Energy Security and Net Zero Minister Lord Whitehead visited Caldera’s manufacturing facility to officially open the system. Minister Whitehead highlighted the technology’s potential to eliminate fossil fuel use across industries ranging from brewing to pet food and pharmaceuticals. Particularly during periods of sudden and high “peak” heat demand, when conventional electric heating systems may be insufficient, Caldera’s battery provides a flexible and rapid solution.
Having received a £10 million investment from German industrial group GEA, the company aims to expand its technology not only across the United Kingdom but also throughout Europe and globally. Caldera CEO James Macnaghten stated that industry is still living in the “steam age” and that decarbonizing steam is one of the economy’s most challenging tasks. He emphasized that the company’s system enables a cleaner and more cost-effective energy transition without disrupting existing production processes.
Source: Solarbaba – In Turkish
