LEONHARD KURZ, a global leader in surface decoration technologies, has announced a collaboration with ENERGYNEST, a pioneer in thermal energy storage solutions. This collaboration aims to reduce carbon emissions in industrial manufacturing by integrating power-to-heat systems with thermal storage, marking a significant step toward the decarbonization of manufacturing globally.
Sustainable manufacturing with the Power-to-Heat system
LEONHARD KURZ, known for its innovation in thin-film technologies used in sectors such as automotive and medical, will enhance its sustainability efforts. The company already operates with 100% renewable electricity at its German facilities. and has committed to achieving carbon-neutral production by 2040.
However, the energy-intensive nature of their manufacturing processes, which require high-temperature heat traditionally supplied by gas-fired boilers, has been a challenge in achieving full decarbonization.
The partnership with ENERGYNEST will allow KURZ to electrify its heating systems , converting renewable electricity, such as excess solar energy, into high-temperature heat through power-to-heat technology. This integration will dramatically reduce its dependence on natural gas while maintaining operational efficiency.
Key benefits for LEONHARD KURZ
The new system, designed to integrate seamlessly into KURZ’s existing infrastructure, will deliver more than 3 GWh of clean heat per year , covering more than 70% of the thermal demand of one of its production lines. This switch will reduce natural gas consumption by more than 3.5 GWh per year and also prevent more than 700 tons of CO₂ emissions annually.
ENERGYNEST’s ThermalBattery , a key component of the system, will store heat for on-demand use, ensuring that KURZ can meet fluctuating energy demands without relying on fossil fuels. By leveraging renewable energy sources such as solar power , the system optimizes energy efficiency and supports KURZ’s long-term commitment to sustainability.
A scalable model for global decarbonization
This collaboration also highlights a scalable model for industrial decarbonization that can be replicated in manufacturing sectors around the world. The success of this system at the KURZ plant in Sulzbach-Rosenberg demonstrates that power-to-heat technology is a future goal, a practical and viable solution to the global challenge of reducing carbon emissions in manufacturing.
The collaboration between LEONHARD KURZ and ENERGYNEST is an essential step toward sustainable industrial practices. With the growing demand for green manufacturing solutions, this project sets a new standard for how companies can decarbonize without compromising efficiency or scalability.
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Source and internal photo: ENERGYNEST
Main photo: Shutterstock
