Leonhard Kurz invests in power-to-heat system with thermal storage

Leonhard Kurz has partnered with a thermal storage specialist, Energynest, to implement a power-to-heat system with thermal storage to strengthen its industrial decarbonization efforts, showcasing a replicable model for reducing carbon emissions in manufacturing worldwide.

Leonhard Kurz has 5,800 employees and operates in over 50 countries. It supplies advanced surface decoration products across multiple industries. These products are widely used in automotive parts, smartphones, laptops, furniture, packaging, books, textiles, labels, and bank cards, as well as in security applications to prevent counterfeiting.

Committed to sustainability, the company aims for carbon-neutral production by 2040 and already sources 100 percent renewable electricity at its German operations.

Producing the high-tech decorations requires process heat at high temperatures, traditionally supplied by natural gas boilers. The targeted production line at Kurz’s Sulzbach-Rosenberg facility consumes over 4 GWhth of process heat annually, making it a prime candidate for electrification and emissions reduction.

Power-to-heat technology converts renewable electricity, such as solar, wind, or off-peak grid power, into high-temperature heat. When paired with advanced thermal storage, it provides a reliable, flexible and carbon-free energy source for industrial processes, helping manufacturers reduce their dependence on fossil fuels while maintaining operational efficiency.

To significantly lower its carbon footprint, Kurz is integrating Energynest’s turnkey power-to-heat technology, featuring a 3 MWe electrical heater and a 12 MWhth ThermalBattery. The system will integrate into KURZ’s existing thermal oil infrastructure, providing stable, on-demand heat while drastically reducing reliance on natural gas.

By adopting this system, Kurz will utilize excess solar energy from its on-site PV field and benefit from a system that delivers over 3 GWhth of clean heat annually, covering more than 70 percent of the heat demand for one of the site’s production lines.

More than 40 percent of heat demand will be met directly from stored heat, ensuring greater energy efficiency and reliability.

The company will also reduce natural gas consumption by more than 3.5 GWh annually, cutting over 700 tons of CO2 emissions.

This agreement marks Energynest’s first sale of a complete turnkey power-to-heat technology, proving the scalability of thermal storage technology for industrial applications.

Energynest CEO Alex Robertson said: ‘Electrification of industrial heat is essential for decarbonizing global manufacturing and supply chains. By partnering with Leonhard Kurz, Energynest is showcasing a scalable and effective decarbonization strategy that can be replicated worldwide. This agreement is a proof point that industrial energy transition is not just a necessity — it’s happening now.’

Dr Andreas Hirschfelder, CEO of Leonhard Kurz, added: ‘Sustainability is deeply embedded in our corporate DNA, guiding every aspect of our operations and innovation. By integrating Energynest’s power-to-heat system with thermal storage, we are significantly reducing emissions and taking another major step toward our goal of a fully sustainable production lifecycle and CO2 neutrality. This project reinforces our commitment to being a Green Leader in the industry.’

Ralph Hopfensitz, executive senior vice president of global technology at Leonhard Kurz, concluded: ‘The shift to electrified, renewable-based industrial heat is a game changer for manufacturing. By leveraging Energynest’s advanced thermal storage technology, we ensure a stable, on-demand heat supply that reduces our dependence on fossil fuels while increasing energy efficiency. This is a pivotal innovation that strengthens our long-term energy strategy and accelerates our transition towards CO2-neutral production.’