EDP and Heineken are at the forefront of an innovative project at the Central de Cervejas e Bebidas factory in Vialonga, belonging to the Dutch group Heineken.
The initiative aims to reduce polluting emissions through the installation of a thermal battery that will allow the generation of clean steam.
In a joint statement released this Monday, November 3, EDP and Heineken, in partnership with Rondo Energy, highlighted that this will be one of the largest thermal batteries in the beverage sector worldwide.
The objective is to transform the unit into one of the most sustainable in the world, operating with clean steam. Despite the importance of the project, the partners did not specify deadlines for its implementation.
The project is considered the “first major heat purchase contract in Portugal”, using renewable energy and on-site storage solutions. Financed by the European Investment Bank, it is still subject to administrative and regulatory approvals.
The thermal battery, developed by Rondo Energy, will store renewable electricity in the form of high-temperature heat, providing safe, continuous steam without carbon emissions, thus eliminating the need for fossil fuel boilers.
To support this solution, EDP will install a solar plant on the factory grounds, which will power the battery and provide the steam necessary for production processes.
With this technology, the Vialonga plant hopes to reduce natural gas consumption and avoid approximately 6,600 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
The thermal battery can also be used in other sectors, such as pulp and paper, chemicals and food, reinforcing EDP and Heineken’s commitment to sustainability.