Brenmiller Energy begins 32 MWh thermal battery system install for beverage plant

Thermal energy storage developer Brenmiller Energy has started on-site assembly of a 32 MWh heat storage system at Tempo Beverages’ factory in Netanya, Israel. The system will replace fossil fuel boilers at the facility, which produces Heineken and Pepsi products.

The thermal battery, which the company calls a “bGen ZERO”, converts electricity into heat using crushed rocks as the storage medium, which are then assembled into formed blocks. The system will capture low-cost electricity, potentially from renewable sources, and deliver steam, hot water, or hot air on demand for industrial processes.

For context, the 32 MWh of thermal storage capacity represents enough energy to meet Tempo’s industrial heating needs for several hours of production. The system is expected to eliminate 6,200 metric tons of carbon emissions annually by replacing heavy fuel oil boilers, while saving the beverage producer an estimated $7.5 million in energy costs over 15 years, or approximately half a million dollars annually.

Brenmiller reports 103 MWh of thermal storage systems in operation or construction globally. The technology aims to help energy-intensive industries transition away from fossil fuels while providing grid balancing capabilities to support renewable energy integration.

The project marks a positive step for thermal storage in industrial applications, and the installation at Tempo’s facility is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025. Tempo Beverages operates as a major Israeli beverage producer and distributor, partially owned by Heineken International B.V.

A Brenmiller company spokesperson also noted that global demand for TES is surging, especially in Europe, noting that 50% of Brenmiller’s $450M commercial pipeline originates in the region, across industries, including consumer goods, food & beverage, and pharmaceuticals.