Solving the conundrum of industrial heat
John O'Donnell, co-founder and CEO of Rondo Energy, explains how thermal storage can decarbonize industrial heat by bridging the gap between intermittent renewable electricity and the continuous, high-temperature energy required by factories. He details the economic and technical challenges of industrial processes, noting that while direct electrification is possible, it is often insufficient for 24/7 operations without storage. O'Donnell highlights Rondo's use of solid-state thermal storage to achieve over 95% efficiency, enabling facilities to leverage cheap, intermittent wind and solar power for continuous production. The conversation also explores the emerging trend of industrial grid defection, where facilities build behind-the-meter renewables to avoid rising transmission costs and secure low-cost energy.