#Hungary #Kyoto Group #Heatcube #KALL Ingredients #Tiszapüspöki

Kyoto Group Unveils the World's Largest Thermal Energy Storage Unit

On October 9, 2025, Kyoto Group, a leader in thermal energy solutions, inaugurated its groundbreaking Heatcube at the KALL Ingredients facility in Tiszapüspöki, Hungary. This installation is notable as it represents the largest industrial thermal energy storage system in the world, designed to facilitate industrial decarbonization efforts.

The Heatcube, boasting a capacity of 56 MWh, is an innovative solution aimed at providing over 30 GWh of clean process heat annually. By replacing conventional natural gas sources, this system has the potential to eliminate around 8,000 tons of CO₂ emissions yearly. Morten Bülow, the CEO of Kyoto Group, emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating, “This is a huge step forward for Kyoto Group and for clean low-cost industrial heat.” Through a model known as Heat-as-a-Service, Kyoto Group ensures that KALL Ingredients can access affordable and emission-free steam while benefiting the overall grid flexibility in Hungary.

A Step Towards Sustainable Industrial Practices

The KALL Ingredients facility, one of the latest corn processing operations in Europe, plays a vital role in producing starches utilized in food, paper, and various industrial goods. It has an impressive capacity to process up to 530,000 tons of corn annually, yielding products like sweeteners and ingredients for animal feed. Maarten Welten, Managing Director of KALL Ingredients, highlighted sustainability as a core aspect of their operations, noting, “Kyoto's Heatcube offers a stable and cost-effective supply of clean process heat, helping us reduce energy costs and move towards full reliance on renewable energy.”

Unveiling the Heat-as-a-Service Model

The Heatcube's commissioning is backed by a strategic collaboration involving major players in the renewable sector: Kyotherm, Energiabörze, and Kyoto Group itself. Under a 15-year Heat-as-a-Service agreement, these partnerships signify a robust commitment to sustainable energy alternatives. Kyotherm's CEO, Arnaud Susplugas, stated that “thermally storaged solutions like Heatcube demonstrate how industry can decarbonize while simultaneously enhancing value to the power system.” This sentiment captures the overarching goal of transitioning to sustainable energy models in industrial sectors.

Flexibility and Enhanced Energy Management

The Heatcube is not just a transformative piece of technology; it also promises increased flexibility within the energy markets. It operates efficiently, capitalizing on intermittent renewable energy supplies while consistently providing steam for industrial production. András Vinkovits, Chairman of Energiabörze, highlighted the importance of this innovation, stating, “With Heatcube, we can act on reserve markets and reduce costs for industry, particularly as renewables expand in Hungary.”

Thermal Energy Day: Setting the Scene for the Inauguration

The inauguration ceremony followed the previously hosted Thermal Energy Day in Budapest, which highlighted discussions on the future of industrial heat alongside experts from leading companies, including McKinsey & Company and BASF. Such engagements set a positive tone for the unveiling of the Heatcube, showcasing a collective commitment to advancing sustainable industrial solutions.

Advanced Technology Behind The Heatcube

Kyoto's Heatcube is a modular thermal energy storage mechanism that employs renewable energy to heat molten salt to temperatures exceeding 400°C. Designed to store between 39 MWh and 104 MWh of energy, this system can deliver up to 14 MW of discharge power, transforming stored energy into high-temperature steam for industrial processes.

About Kyoto Group

Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Oslo, Norway, Kyoto Group is on a mission to decarbonize industrial heat with its unique solution, Heatcube. The company addresses the significant carbon footprint associated with industrial heat production, which accounts for 40% of global emissions from fossil fuels. The innovative Heatcube promises a sustainable and cost-effective method for capturing and storing renewable energy, paving the way for an environmentally friendly industrial future. Currently, Kyoto Group operates in various locations, including offices in Seville, Spain, and subsidiaries in Denmark.

Looking Ahead

As this launch marks a significant milestone in the journey toward a greener future, it also emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling environmental challenges. Kyoto Group, KALL Ingredients, and their partners represent a decisive shift toward sustainable practices in the industrial sector, underscoring the potential benefits of adopting renewable energy technologies. This project serves as an exemplar for industries worldwide, demonstrating the viability and necessity of innovation in combating climate change.