Generating industrial heat produces about 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, surpassing the combined pollution from all cars, planes, and ships. Yet, efforts to green industrial processes often overlook this significant source. Electrification, the current preferred alternative, faces hurdles such as grid capacity limitations, high electricity costs, and difficulty achieving ultra-high temperatures consistently. Meanwhile, traditional methods relying on fossil fuels like coal and natural gas are increasingly untenable as companies and governments pursue carbon reduction targets.
Brenmiller Energy Ltd. (NASDAQ: BNRG), an Israel-based thermal energy storage (TES) provider, is emerging as a key player in this space with its bGen TES platform. The patented solid-state heat battery uses crushed volcanic rock to store low-cost renewable electricity as high-temperature heat, releasing it on demand as zero-emission steam, hot water, or air. By employing abundant materials instead of critical battery metals, customers can charge the system when electricity prices are low and use stored energy during peak demand, addressing cost and reliability concerns.
To eliminate upfront costs, Brenmiller recently launched BNRG360, an energy-as-a-service model. Under this model, Brenmiller develops, owns, and operates integrated clean energy systems, allowing customers to adopt TES without significant capital investment. This strategic shift from equipment supplier to integrated energy infrastructure company aims to generate recurring revenues, deepen customer relationships, and capture greater long-term value. The company reports that this evolution could reshape how investors evaluate the business as the installed base of operating projects grows.
The need for TES is expected to grow into a multi-billion-dollar industry, driven by rising electricity consumption, industrial electrification, grid modernization, increasing renewable energy penetration, and attention to energy security. Additionally, the expansion of artificial intelligence and data centers is straining electrical infrastructure, increasing the need for flexible energy systems. According to one forecast, the TES market could grow at a CAGR of 10% through 2032, reaching nearly $14 billion.
Brenmiller is proving its technology in real-world applications, notably with Tempo Beverages Ltd. The 32-megawatt-hour TES installation is designed to supply continuous industrial process steam, fully replacing the site's fossil fuel boiler. Expected to eliminate approximately 6,200 tons of CO₂ emissions annually, the system began delivering steam in June 2026. Brenmiller views Tempo as a significant commercial reference that demonstrates TES at industrial scale, serving as a blueprint for future decarbonization projects. The operational experience and performance data from Tempo are expected to strengthen customer confidence and support scalability. The company is also in discussions with other companies for similar projects.
Looking ahead, Brenmiller is focused on growth, boosting cash flow, and achieving sustainable profitability. With more customers expected to join the BNRG360 platform and additional project commissionings on the horizon, the company is confident in reaching these milestones. As the industrial market seeks alternative energy sources, Brenmiller positions itself to help companies decarbonize with its bGen platform. For more information, visit the company's website here.
