Technology

Rondo Energy announces €75M project funding with Breakthrough Energy Catalyst and the European Investment Bank

Published

6 months ago

June 26, 2024

Three Rondo Heat Battery installations will decarbonize food, clean fuel, and chemical production across Europe

LONDON, June 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today at the Breakthrough Energy Summit, Rondo Energy, Breakthrough Energy Catalyst, the European Commission, and the European Investment Bank announced €75 million in funding that will support three groundbreaking industrial decarbonization projects in Europe.

Rondo will use the funding (subject to the satisfaction of funding conditions) to expand its European presence and build projects delivering low-cost clean energy under long-term contracts. Each project has been optimized to capture low-cost intermittent energy from local and remote wind and solar resources, to deliver “drop-in decarbonization” for producers of food and beverage, clean fuel, and chemical production. The facilities will deliver low-cost, continuous, high-pressure, zero-carbon steam and power as a service.

“This project funding is a strong addition to our long-term relationship with Breakthrough, and puts Rondo firmly on the path to help eliminate the green premium for industrial heat electrification and to become a fully bankable technology which can be deployed at scale,” said Eric Trusiewicz, CEO of Rondo Energy. “The grant from Breakthrough Energy Catalyst and the loan from the European Investment Bank together underpin Rondo’s development throughout Europe, where we see very strong tailwinds to the adoption of our technology.”

Rondo Heat Batteries (RHBs) combine century-old materials and cutting-edge automation to turn intermittent renewable electricity into the continuous, high-temperature heat and power required by industries.

“Rondo’s technology offers industry a unique opportunity to decarbonize with inexpensive renewable electricity,” said Mario Fernandez, Head of Breakthrough Energy Catalyst. “Rondo’s deployment is crucial at a time when European manufacturers are urgently looking for ways to eliminate their dependence on natural gas. We’re proud to support these important projects across Europe and to work with such great partners in Rondo, the European Investment Bank, and the European Commission who bring the commitment and vision to commercialize this critical technology.”

“The green transition requires massive investment for innovative technologies to replace industrial processes based on fossil fuels,” said EIB Vice-President Thomas Östros. “With today’s announcement, we are writing the next chapter of the EU-Catalyst partnership. We are delighted to support Rondo’s first-of-a-kind energy storage units. As the climate bank, we aim to finance many more net-zero technologies that will provide clean and affordable energy to power our industry and homes, while strengthening Europe’s competitiveness.”

Drop-In Decarbonization for Covestro’s Chemical Production

Covestro, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-quality polymer materials and their components, has selected Rondo to deliver clean energy services at a production facility in Northern Germany. An RHB100 will be delivering continuous steam powered by intermittent renewable energy, contributing to Covestro’s deep commitment to circularity and decarbonization.

“As an innovation company, we are always excited when we can further develop and test promising ideas that can bring us closer to our goals of a circular economy and climate-neutral production,” says Dr. Thorsten Dreier, CTO of Covestro. “The heat battery is such an idea: a new technology that allows us to go one step further on our way to a sustainable future.”

Heat battery replaces fossil fuels in GreenLab’s green industrial park

GreenLab is a pioneer green and circular industrial park in Denmark, that works to demonstrate how energy waste can be reduced in industry. Rondo will build a “clean utilities core” supplying the companies in GreenLab with green heat. An RHB100 powered by renewables will generate high pressure steam to drive a CHP steam turbine generator cycle, translating intermittent electricity into baseload heat and power for multiple companies at the park.

One of the first companies in the park to benefit from Rondo’s heat battery will be using the green heat to produce low-carbon biogas, eliminating the use of fossil fuels in the process. This first installation will establish the performance, processes, and tools needed to expand the clean utilities core at GreenLab and to build other parks like this one powered by the wind and the sun.

GreenLab CEO Christopher Sorensen explains: “Industry accounts for approximately 25% of energy-related carbon pollution globally, and 74% of industrial energy use is tied to heat. At GreenLab, we work to reduce industrial energy waste and CO2-emissions by demonstrating new green technologies at scale. That is why Rondo’s heat battery is a perfect match for our industrial park. On a global level, powering industrial heat with renewables and heat batteries can cut CO2-emissions drastically, and we are happy to pioneer the solution in our park in this first-of-its-kind fully commercial project.”

Decarbonizing Food & Beverage Production

Rondo will also build a third project that charges from on-site and off-site solar, delivering deep decarbonization for a European producer in the food and beverage sector, with further details to be announced soon.

Breakthrough Energy Catalyst Creating New Energy Infrastructure

Breakthrough Energy Catalyst is bringing its expertise in energy-infrastructure-investing and project-development to accelerate the widespread deployment of emerging climate technologies that can cut emissions without a green premium.

The deployment and learnings from its FOAK projects in Europe will enable Rondo to develop storage-as-a-service contracts that make clean industrial heat and power cheaper than traditional fuels. These initial projects set the stage to accelerate Rondo’s delivery on its large pipeline of global projects which will reduce industrial reliance on gas and build sustainable, cost-effective energy solutions across the world.

Strengthening Europe’s Energy Security

Rondo is a member of the Energy Resiliency Leadership Group, which is working to open markets and speed the transition to a clean energy infrastructure for Europe.

Each of these projects is an energy services project that delivers long-term low-cost clean energy for an industrial producer, reducing reliance on imported fossil fuel, cutting regulatory risk, and improving their position as manufacturing leaders in the 21st century.

“This funding is an example of what energy security looks like,” said John O’Donnell, co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Rondo Energy. “These projects bring together Rondo’s innovative technology with Catalyst and EIB’s innovative finance to power industry with the wind and the sun on a permanently lower-cost basis.”

“Europe urgently needs to replace imported gas with domestic renewable energy,” said Ann Mettler, VP of Breakthrough Energy Europe and co-leader of the Energy Resilience Leadership Group. “Repowering our industries is a matter of climate security, economic security, and national security. These projects are proving that we can deliver this triple win now, with the right technology, vision, and capital.”

About Rondo Energy

Rondo is purpose-built for industrial facilities: Its Heat Batteries are constructed from proven, durable materials and are designed for seamless integration with existing industrial equipment and processes. Whether deployed as a drop-in replacement for retiring fossil-fueled heating equipment or as a resilient complement to existing systems, Rondo requires no disruptive changes to customers’ operations.

Rondo currently operates the world’s highest temperature, highest efficiency commercial energy storage system, at Calgren Renewable Fuels in Pixley, California. Working with its partner Siam Cement Group (SCG), Rondo is expanding the production capacity of its storage media from its current 2 GWh/yr to an industry-leading 90 GWh per year. Rondo Energy is headquartered in Alameda, California.

About Breakthrough Energy

Breakthrough Energy is a global network of climate leaders committed to accelerating the world’s journey to a clean energy future. The organization funds breakthrough technologies, advocates for climate-smart policies, and mobilizes partners around the world to take effective action, accelerating progress at every stage.

Breakthrough Energy Catalyst is a novel platform that funds and invests in first-of-a-kind commercial projects for emerging climate technologies. By investing in these opportunities, Catalyst seeks to accelerate the adoption of these technologies worldwide and reduce their costs.

The EU-Catalyst partnership was launched in 2021 at COP26 in Glasgow with the aim to develop large-scale green tech projects based in Europe and boost investments in critical climate technologies.

Catalyst currently focuses on five technology areas: clean hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuel, direct air capture, long-duration energy storage, and manufacturing decarbonization. In addition to capital, Catalyst leverages the team’s energy-infrastructure-investing and project-development expertise to work with innovators on advancing their projects from the development stage to funding, construction and ultimately, operations. Learn more about Breakthrough Energy and Catalyst at breakthroughenergy.org.

About the EIB

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union. It finances sound investment contributing to EU policy goals. As implementing partner of the Commission under InvestEU, the EIB has been tasked to deploy up to €420 million for the benefit of the EU-Catalyst partnership. These funds are made available from both Horizon Europe, which has committed €200 million, and the Innovation Fund, which has committed €220 million. The EU-Catalyst partnership does not exclude potential additional contributions from EU Member States or other private partners that decide to further support the projects.

About Covestro:

Covestro is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-quality polymer materials and their components. With its innovative products, processes and methods, the company helps enhance sustainability and the quality of life in many areas. Covestro supplies customers around the world in key industries such as mobility, building and living, as well as the electrical and electronics sector. In addition, polymers from Covestro are also used in sectors such as sports and leisure, telecommunications and health, as well as in the chemical industry itself.

The company is geared completely to the circular economy. In addition, Covestro aims to achieve climate neutrality for its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2035, and the Group’s Scope 3 emissions are also set to be climate neutral by 2050. Covestro generated sales of EUR 14.4 billion in fiscal year 2023. At the end of 2023, the company had 48 production sites worldwide and employed approximately 17,500 people (calculated as full-time equivalents).

About GreenLab:

GreenLab is a green and circular industrial park. It was established in 2019 to test, demonstrate, and accelerate the green transition by improving the way renewable energy is produced, converted, stored, and utilized. GreenLab shows the way for breaking down energy silos and integrating energy systems. In practice, this is done through GreenLab’s SymbiosisNet™. GreenLab has created the ideal conditions for connecting industrial production with a new and innovative energy infrastructure, research, and large-scale testing of new technologies.

www.greenlab.dk

https://www.linkedin.com/company/greenlabskive

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Technology

365 Retail Markets Strengthens Leadership Team with Key Hires

Published

1 hour ago

December 26, 2024

Announcement Comes as Two Long-Time Executives Retire

TROY, Mich., Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — 365 Retail Markets, the global leader in unattended retail technologies, today announced the appointment of Anton Rakushkin as Chief Technology Officer and Bill Reidy as VP of Sales for North America. These strategic hires come as two long-time leaders, Joe Rogan and John Chidiac, retire after years of dedicated service to the company.

365 Retail Markets announces the appointment of Anton Rakushkin as CTO and Bill Reidy as VP of Sales- North America.

Rakushkin comes to 365 with twenty years of experience in retail technology including time with Streamware Corporation and Crane Connectivity Solutions. He holds impressive accomplishments in the areas of vending management, including the architecture of Vendmax, an extensively used VMS system across the industry. His achievements also include innovations around data exchange and tools for operator success such as industry-first pre-kit and dynamic scheduling features. Rakushkin has had notable success working closely with both customers and other solution providers to create widely adopted industry standards.

“I am excited to bring my experience to the world-class team at 365 and look forward to elevating their impressive accomplishments across the industry as well as extending that success to more opportunities. By understanding customer needs and providing solutions that will drive the industry forward, we will accomplish great things,” said Rakushkin.

Reidy joins 365 Retail Markets with over thirty years of experience in sales leadership and executive management. Throughout his career, he has successfully developed and grown businesses across various verticals and industries. Reidy has cultivated a deep understanding of the SaaS industry by advancing through prominent firms, including well-known players in the automotive technology space, such as KPA, Netsertive, and DealerMatch. During his time at vAuto, he designed highly effective sales and operations management processes and built a renowned national sales team.

When asked about his optimism around 365’s growth potential, Reidy noted, “I’m fortunate to be joining a well-established team at 365 Retail Markets, and I believe that through coaching and establishing the right processes, we can expand our opportunities immensely. I am looking forward to elevating the reach and success of this organization through the help of a world-class sales team.”

Joe Hessling, CEO at 365 Retail Markets, expressed his excitement about the leadership additions. “Bringing experts like Anton and Bill onto the team is essential to keep up with the intense growth we are seeing in our unattended retail business. We have heard for years that the market is tired of the lack of investment by the legacy VMS providers and the lack of consumer-focused features from the me-too payment terminal providers. Anton and Bill will be focused on being sure 365 remains the global leader for decades to come.”

Joe Rogan retires after 10 years with 365. While currently serving as Chief Strategy Officer, he has previously served as Chief Financial Officer and an early advisor and Board Member helping define nearly every successful initiative in the company’s history. Joe will be missed greatly by his industry colleagues and friends at 365 but will remain in an advisory role in his retirement.

John Chidiac’s decade of service to 365 comes with many accomplishments in roles as Chief Operating Officer and later as President of International, spearheading international growth. His dedication to 365 has positioned the long-term success internationally and his relationships with many in the industry has gained him immense respect among his peers and colleagues.

Hessling acknowledged their contributions, stating, “I would like to thank both Joe and John for helping me turn 365 into what it is today. Taking the leap to join over 10 years ago was a risk neither had to take and their impact on 365, me, and the industry has been something that most don’t ever get the chance to do in their careers. I will miss working with them both but am happy for them in their next stage of life.”

Both retirements are effective December 31, 2024 and 365 Retail Markets thanks both individuals for their incredible dedication and commitment to the organization and industry.

CONTACT:
Navreet Gill
VP of Marketing & Communications, 365 Retail Markets
navreet.gill@365smartshop.com

About 365 Retail Markets
365 Retail Markets is the global leader in unattended retail technology. Founded in 2008, 365 provides a full suite of best-in-class, self-service technologies for food service operators including end-to-end integrated SaaS software, payment processing and point of-sale hardware. Today, the company’s technology solutions autonomously power food retail spaces at corporate offices, manufacturing and distribution facilities, hospitality settings and more, in order to provide compelling foodservice options for consumers. 365’s technology solutions include a growing suite of frictionless smart stores, micro markets, vending, catering, and dining point-of-sale options to meet the expanding needs of its customers. 365 continuously pioneers innovation in the industry with superior technology, strategic partnerships and ultimate flexibility in customization and branding.

For more information about 365 Retail Markets, visit www.365retailmarkets.com and connect on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

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SOURCE 365 Retail Markets, LLC

Technology

The Inner Circle acknowledges, Tane Remington as a Pinnacle Professional Member

Published

1 hour ago

December 26, 2024

LIVERMORE, Calif., Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Tane Remington is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence for her contributions at the Forefront of Innovation in Physics & Engineering.

Dr. Tane Remington, a trailblazer in the fields of physics, engineering, and materials science, continues to drive forward technological innovation as the co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Maelstrom Water Technologies. With a profound commitment to advancing environmental sustainability through cutting-edge research and development, Dr. Remington has established herself as a visionary leader in the industry.

Dr. Remington’s journey into the realm of scientific discovery began with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, laying a solid foundation for her academic pursuits at Swarthmore College. At the University of California, San Diego. Here, she earned a Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering, followed by a PhD in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, completing her education in 2015. Her academic achievements underscore her deep expertise and dedication to pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration.

Throughout her illustrious career spanning over a decade, Dr. Remington has amassed multiple pending patents and has actively contributed to pioneering research initiatives. Her seminal works, including groundbreaking articles on Numerical Simulations of Laboratory-Scale Hypervelocity-Impact Experiments for Asteroid-Deflection Code Validation and Deformation and failure in extreme regimes by high-energy pulsed lasers, highlight her pivotal role in advancing the frontiers of science and technology.

An active member of the American Physical Society, Dr. Remington remains committed to fostering collaborative partnerships and driving impactful change within her field. Her contributions have not only garnered acclaim but have also set new standards for innovation and excellence in physics and engineering.

Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Remington attributes much of her success to the support of her family and peers, expressing gratitude to “all the dreamers” who have inspired and motivated her throughout her journey.

Looking ahead, Dr. Remington envisions a future marked by continued growth and success in her pursuit of environmental sustainability through technological advancement. Her unwavering commitment to innovation and scientific inquiry positions her as a catalyst for positive change in the global landscape of physics and engineering.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, editorialteam@continentalwhoswho.com

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SOURCE The Inner Circle

Technology

The Inner Circle acknowledges, Donald B. Olson as a Pinnacle Life Achiever

Published

1 hour ago

December 26, 2024

MIAMI, Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Donald B. Olson is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Life Achiever for his contributions in Leading Oceanography and Marine Science Innovator.

Dr. Donald B. Olson has established himself as a prominent figure in oceanography, marine, and atmospheric science over his illustrious 50-year career. Currently a professor at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science since 1979, Dr. Olson’s contributions span across education, research, and international collaboration.

Dr. Olson’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wyoming in 1974, followed by both a Master of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy from Texas A&M University in 1976 and 1979, respectively. His early academic achievements paved the way for a distinguished career focused on advancing our understanding of oceanographic systems and their impact on marine ecosystems.

Throughout his career, Dr. Olson has been instrumental in fostering educational opportunities in South American oceanographic programs. He served as visiting faculty at the University of Buenos Aires and the University of Sao Paulo, pioneering graduate courses in physical oceanography tailored for fisheries and climate studies across Latin America. Additionally, Dr. Olson led a groundbreaking summer program on biophysical interactions in collaboration with Massachusetts Institute of Technology, supported by funding from the U.S. Navy to enhance biophysical models of the ocean.

Dr. Olson’s expertise spans multiple disciplines within oceanography, including marine ecosystem ecology, mesoscale oceanography, and mathematical physiology. He is a member of prestigious scientific organizations such as the American Meteorological Society, American Geophysical Union, American Association for the Advancement of Science, Oceanographic Society, and American Fisheries Society, reflecting his influence and recognition in the field.

His prolific research has garnered numerous grants from institutions like the Office of Naval Research, the National Science Foundation, and NASA. Dr. Olson’s work is widely published, with over 150 articles in scholarly journals and contributions to various book chapters. He has also served as an associate editor for Oceanography magazine, the Journal of Marine Research, and as editor of Geophysical Research Letters-Oceans.

Recognized for his outstanding contributions, Dr. Olson received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Wyoming, celebrating his impact on oceanographic research and education. Looking ahead, Dr. Olson remains committed to advancing oceanographic knowledge, fostering international collaborations, and mentoring future generations of scientists in the field.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, editorialteam@continentalwhoswho.com

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SOURCE The Inner Circle