Heineken, Rondo Energy and EDP are set to deploy a 100MWh Rondo Heat Battery (RHB) at the Central de Cervejas e Bebidas Brewery and Malting Plant in Portugal.
This will be the largest heat battery installation in the global beverage sector, delivering continuous, zero-carbon steam for brewing operations.
The RHB stores intermittent electricity as high-temperature heat and supplies 24-hour steam, reducing reliance on fossil-fired boilers. At the Lisbon site, it will deliver 7MW of steam, powered by on-site solar and renewable grid electricity. EDP will supply the steam under a Heat-as-a-Service model, with Rondo providing the battery and EDP managing the solar and grid inputs.
“By combining our strengths with EDP and Rondo, we’re unlocking new ways to power our brewery operations more efficiently,” said Magne Setnes, chief supply chain officer at Heineken. “This project not only helps us reduce our reliance on conventional energy, it shows how practical innovation and strong partnerships can deliver meaningful improvements across our supply chain.”
The initiative supports Heineken ‘Brew a Better World’ strategy, aiming for net zero across its value chain by 2040, starting with production sites by 2030. Backed by the European Investment Bank and Breakthrough Energy Catalyst, the €75 million investment will scale Rondo’s technology across Europe.
“Iberia can be Europe’s low-cost and low-carbon industrial manufacturing base,” said Eric Trusiewicz, CEO of Rondo Energy. “We are thrilled to be installing our first Rondo Heat Battery in Iberia, and to support Heineken to reach its goals.”
