Kyoto Group has launched its second European Heatcube – said to be the world’s largest industrial thermal energy storage unit – at the KALL Ingredients corn processing plant in Tiszapüspöki, Hungary, targeting a new era for the region’s heavy industry.
Developed through a partnership with Kyotherm, Energiabörze, and Kyoto Group, the Heatcube replaces natural gas with more than 30 GWh of renewable-powered steam each year – cutting up to 8,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually. Leaders say the 56 MWh unit is not just a technical achievement, but a blueprint for cost-effective, stable, and sustainable heat in manufacturing.
How the technology works
At the heart of the Heatcube is a modular thermal energy storage system, which uses intermittent renewable electricity to heat molten salt to over 400°C. Excess solar or wind power from the grid is routed to the Heatcube, which stores up to 104 MWh in insulated tanks. When process heat is needed, the stored thermal energy is discharged as high-temperature steam, delivering up to 14 MW to power industrial operations throughout the day and on-demand.
This flexible approach helps manufacturers shift away from fossil fuels and participate in grid reserve markets, supporting both cost savings and grid stability as renewable energy expands in Hungary.
Under a 15-year Heat-as-a-Service contract, the asset is shared among the companies; Kyoto Group provides the technology, Kyotherm leads investment, and Energiabörze manages energy trading. This partnership model allows KALL Ingredients to reliably source clean heat, reduce energy costs, and move toward full reliance on renewables.
Heatcube’s debut aims to prove that industrial decarbonisation is achievable and profitable – with advanced energy storage playing a key role.
