Calectra uses silicon carbide to deliver low-carbon heat to heavy industry
A Calectra scientist examines a material in a furnace at the firm’s headquarters in Oakland, California. The company hopes its heat battery will help heavy industries transition away from fossil fuels. Credit:
Calectra
Chemical, cement, and steel plants often require an uninterrupted stream of superhigh heat to run efficiently. Renewable electricity sources can’t guarantee a continuous flow of energy, so roughly 80% of industrial process heat is generated by burning fossil fuels, according to the consulting firm McKinsey.
The start-up Calectra is developing a system that uses cheap renewable electricity during periods of abundant supply to heat up a ceramic block. The scorching brick can then supply low-carbon heat to big factories around the clock.
