HEINEKEN, Rondo Energy, and Portuguese energy group EDP have agreed to deploy a 100 MWh Rondo Heat Battery (RHB) at the Central de Cervejas e Bebidas brewery and malting plant in Portugal. Once operational, it will be the largest heat battery in the global beverage industry, supplying continuous renewable steam to HEINEKEN’s Lisbon operations.
The Rondo system will store energy from intermittent renewable electricity — including on-site solar and grid supply — and convert it into high-temperature, zero-carbon steam for brewing processes. The installation will deliver 7 MW of steam capacity, enabling the brewery to replace fossil-fuel boilers without altering production methods.
“By combining our strengths with EDP and Rondo, we’re unlocking new ways to power our brewery operations more efficiently,” said Magne Setnes, HEINEKEN’s Chief Supply Chain Officer. “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.”
EDP will provide renewable electricity and supply HEINEKEN with steam under a Heat-as-a-Service (HaaS) model, while Rondo will supply and operate the battery system. The project is expected to create local jobs during construction and operations.
At Lisbon’s facility, HEINEKEN is already using solar power and electric heat pumps for hot water, with the new system targeting one of the last major fossil-fuel dependencies — high-temperature steam. The project supports HEINEKEN’s “Brew a Better World” strategy, which commits to net-zero emissions across its value chain by 2040 and decarbonisation of all production sites by 2030.
The initiative aligns with Portugal’s national target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and benefits from the region’s strong solar resource. It is also supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Breakthrough Energy Catalyst under a €75 million EU–Catalyst partnership to scale Rondo’s technology across Europe.
“Boosting competitiveness and decarbonising Europe’s industry through affordable renewable energy is a key priority for the EIB,” said Karl Nehammer, EIB Vice President. “This project exemplifies the kind of innovation and collaboration Europe needs to accelerate its green transition.”
“Rondo’s heat batteries offer a unique pathway toward energy security for European industry,” added Mario Fernandez, Head of Breakthrough Energy Catalyst. “They allow companies like HEINEKEN to adopt clean, affordable and reliable heat solutions.”
EDP CEO Miguel Stilwell d’Andrade said the partnership “proves what is possible when we dare to push the boundaries,” adding that the collaboration between EDP, HEINEKEN and Rondo “sets a new standard for industrial sustainability.”
