Energy Venture Led by Orcan: Collaboration with E.ON and Holcim on a Significant Scale
In a significant stride towards sustainable industrial decarbonization, Orcan Energy, Holcim, and E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions have joined forces to implement a large-scale project for industrial waste heat utilization at Holcim's cement plant in Dotternhausen, Germany. This project aims to recover approximately 10 megawatts of thermal energy from the rotary kiln's exhaust gases, transforming it into electricity and supplying internal processes, heating networks, and local district heating networks [1][3].
The heart of this project is Orcan Energy's Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) technology, a central component of the project. Orcan Energy's second-generation ORC solutions employ high-temperature thermal oil cycles to convert waste heat into clean electricity with base-load capability, ensuring stable, continuous power output [2]. Heat is extracted via a heat exchanger positioned approximately 70 meters high, then fed into the thermal oil circuit for conversion and distribution [1].
This project exemplifies a cost-effective and scalable waste heat recovery strategy aimed at decarbonizing the cement industry, which is energy-intensive and historically associated with high CO2 emissions [1][3]. By harnessing previously unused waste heat from the production process, Holcim will benefit from CO2 savings over the entire operating period without any initial investment of its own.
The new high-performance eP 1000 system, specifically developed for large-scale industrial applications, is being used in this project. This system responds flexibly to fluctuating heat quantities and operates efficiently at both full and partial load. Orcan Energy currently employs over 80 people and develops modular ORC systems for various industries in Munich.
Marten Bunnemann, CEO of E.ON, sees great potential in using industrial waste heat in highly energy-intensive industries. The energy-as-a-service model, under which E.ON will be responsible for the planning, construction, financing, operation, and maintenance of the plant, is expected to set a new standard for sustainable industrial energy solutions.
Dieter Schillo, Plant Manager Holcim Southern Germany, considers this project an important milestone towards decarbonizing cement production. Further rollouts of similar projects are already being planned, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable industrial practices and energy efficiency.
References:
[1] Orcan Energy. (2022). Orcan Energy and E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions to jointly develop a large-scale industrial waste heat utilization project at Holcim's cement plant in Dotternhausen. Retrieved from https://www.orcan-energy.com/news/orcan-energy-e-on-energy-infrastructure-solutions-to-jointly-develop-a-large-scale-industrial-waste-heat-utilization-project-at-holcims-cement-plant-in-dotternhausen/
[2] Orcan Energy. (2021). Orcan Energy's ORC systems save 240,000 tons of CO2 emissions worldwide. Retrieved from https://www.orcan-energy.com/news/orcan-energys-orc-systems-save-240000-tons-of-co2-emissions-worldwide/
[3] Holcim. (2022). Holcim and E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions to jointly develop a large-scale industrial waste heat utilization project at Holcim's cement plant in Dotternhausen. Retrieved from https://www.holcim.com/news/press-releases/holcim-and-e-on-energy-infrastructure-solutions-to-jointly-develop-a-large-scale-industrial-waste-heat-utilization-project-at-holcims-cement-plant-in-dotternhausen-110731
- This strategic collaboration between Orcan Energy, Holcim, and E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions, rooted in the renewable-energy industry, is focused on implementing a significant project that utilizes industrial waste heat, a key component in the cement industry's decarbonization efforts.
- The implementation of Orcan Energy's Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) technology, a central piece of the project, employs high-temperature thermal oil cycles, enabling the conversion of waste heat into clean electricity for a stable, continuous power output.
- By adopting the energy-as-a-service model and harnessing waste heat from the production process, Holcim stands to benefit from CO2 savings over the entire operating period without any initial investment, a testament to the potential of technology and finance convergence in the sustainable energy business.
