Energy collaboration between Orcan and Eon, alongside Holcim, on a significant project
In a significant stride towards industrial energy transition and sustainability, Orcan Energy, Holcim, and E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions have joined forces to recover waste heat from Holcim's cement plant in Dotternhausen. This innovative project, made possible by Orcan Energy's cost-effective Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) technology, aims to harness previously unused thermal energy and convert it into clean electricity.
The project's core component, Orcan Energy's new high-performance eP 1000 ORC system, is designed for flexible, efficient power generation at both full and partial loads in large-scale industrial applications. The heat, extracted from the rotary kiln exhaust gases via a heat exchanger positioned around 70 meters high, is transported through a high-temperature thermal oil circuit to support onsite consumption, electricity generation, and potential integration into local heating networks.
E.ON manages the entire plant operation under an energy-as-a-service model, enabling Holcim to achieve CO2 savings without upfront investment. This collaboration allows Holcim to benefit from CO2 savings over the entire operating period without any initial investment of its own. The project exemplifies a scalable, economical approach to improving energy efficiency and decarbonizing energy-intensive industries like cement production.
The initiative aims at reducing Holcim’s Scope 2 emissions, advancing sustainability in cement manufacturing. Dieter Schillo, Plant Manager Holcim Southern Germany, views the project as an important milestone in decarbonizing cement production. The installed turbine responds flexibly to fluctuating heat quantities, making it suitable for variable industrial waste heat sources.
Orcan Energy, with its headquarters in Munich, currently employs over 80 people and develops modular ORC systems for various industries. The company already has more than 650 modules in use worldwide with over seven million operating hours. Orcan Energy is planning further projects in the future.
The project is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK). The partnership aims to establish a cost-effective and scalable model for greater energy efficiency in energy-intensive industries. Marten Bunnemann, Eon CEO, sees great potential in using industrial waste heat efficiently and integrating it into the regional heat market. Further rollouts of similar projects are already being planned.
This project is recognized as an important step toward industrial energy transition and sustainability through advanced waste heat utilization. Key aspects include the use of ORC Technology, the environmental impact, project management, and scalability and flexibility.
[1] Orcan Energy Press Release, "Orcan Energy and E.ON to Implement Large-Scale Waste Heat Utilization Project at Holcim's Cement Plant in Dotternhausen", [Date] [2] Holcim Press Release, "Holcim and Orcan Energy Collaborate on Waste Heat Utilization Project at Cement Plant in Dotternhausen", [Date] [3] E.ON Press Release, "E.ON to Manage Waste Heat Utilization Project at Holcim's Cement Plant in Dotternhausen under Energy-as-a-Service Model", [Date] [4] BMWK Press Release, "Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection Funds Waste Heat Utilization Project at Holcim's Cement Plant in Dotternhausen", [Date]
- This collaboration between Orcan Energy, Holcim, and E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions demonstrates the role of environmental-science and technology in addressing climate-change issues by implementing renewable-energy solutions in industrial settings.
- In the realm of business and finance, the project's success hinges on the efficient use of Orcan Energy's Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) technology to convert waste heat into clean electricity, thus reducing Scope 2 emissions and decarbonizing energy-intensive industries like cement production.
- The project's scalability, as exemplified by the high-performance eP 1000 ORC system, offers the potential for widespread adaptation across multiple industries, contributing to the energy industry's transition towards sustainability.
- With financing provided by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK), this waste heat utilization project at Holcim's cement plant in Dotternhausen aims to establish a cost-effective and scalable model for greater energy efficiency in the industry, thereby promoting technological advancement and environmental preservation.
