#United States #Charleston #Thermal Energy Storage #Zero Industrial #Evok Innovations

Zero Industrial Secures Major Investment to Boost Thermal Energy Storage

Zero Industrial, Inc. has officially declared the successful closure of a $10 million funding round aimed at expediting the development of thermal energy storage systems in North America. This significant financial infusion was led by Evok Innovations, a clean tech venture capital fund, with additional participation from Rusheen Capital Management.

Significant Steps Towards Decarbonization

Founded in 2024, Zero Industrial has been at the forefront of decarbonizing industrial heat. By utilizing advanced thermal energy storage (TES) systems, the company is revolutionizing how industries manage their energy consumption and carbon emissions. The freshly acquired capital will enable Zero Industrial to accelerate the deployment of these innovative systems, thereby aiding industrial customers in reducing energy costs and lowering their carbon footprints. CEO Ted Kniesche expressed optimism about this partnership, stating, "We are excited to partner with Evok and Rusheen to help us accelerate the deployment of thermal energy storage projects in North America."

Innovative Solutions for Energy Management

Zero Industrial’s approach circumvents the traditional reliance on fossil fuels by allowing industries to use stored electricity as thermal energy instead of burning gas, fuel oil, or coal. This not only minimizes reliance on non-renewable energy sources but also addresses increasing energy costs. The company provides comprehensive project development services from technology selection to engineering and project design, ensuring that industrial facilities can transition smoothly to cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions.

The innovative Heat-as-a-Service model allows Zero Industrial to finance each project fully, meaning industrial customers can access clean heat or steam without the burden of upfront capital investments. This model is particularly appealing for facilities looking to modernize their energy infrastructure without significant financial risk.

Responding to Renewable Energy Dynamics

Naynika Chaubey, a partner at Evok Innovations, highlighted the critical timing of this investment. "We continue to see massive growth from cheap, intermittent renewable generation, coupled with increasingly impacted electrical grids," she noted. Zero Industrial stands to benefit from these trends by deploying thermal storage projects that assist in shifting curtailed or off-peak clean electricity into usable baseload heat and steam—the lifeblood of many industrial processes.

Expanding Market Presence

Currently, Zero Industrial is in the process of developing projects across the U.S. and Canada. The goal is to serve industrial customers eager to decarbonize their heating processes while also eliminating harmful emissions and controlling energy costs. This expansion aligns with global momentum toward sustainability, making substantial strides towards achieving emissions targets.

About the Companies Involved

Zero Industrial specializes in developing industrial decarbonization projects and offers an end-to-end solution for implementing TES technologies. They aim to eradicate the need for fossil fuel combustion in heat and steam production, thereby contributing to a more sustainable industrial ecosystem.

Evok Innovations focuses on investing in and nurturing bold entrepreneurs working on groundbreaking technologies that promote sustainability within heavy industries. Their strategic partnership with Zero Industrial reinforces their commitment to driving forward the energy transition.

Meanwhile, Rusheen Capital Management, which emphasizes sustainability and resource efficiency in its investment approach, supports the growth of companies like Zero Industrial that are tackling challenging energy transition goals.

In conclusion, Zero Industrial's recent funding marks a critical turning point in the quest for sustainable industrial energy solutions. By leveraging innovative thermal energy storage systems, they are set to contribute to a cleaner energy future, showcasing the potential for industries to adapt and thrive in an evolving energy landscape.