Combining thermal energy storage with industrial steam: how does it work?

Thermal energy storage can play an important role in the electrification of industrial steam generation. By converting electricity into heat when renewable energy is readily available, energy can be stored and used later when the production process requires steam.

One of the technologies used for this purpose is molten salt energy storage. This technology has been around for some time, but recent developments are making its application in industrial processes increasingly attractive.

On 17 November 2026, Saltes is therefore organising an open afternoon at its test facility in Wijchen. Plant managers, utility managers and technical managers from industries including food, paper and chemicals will gain insight into the combination of thermal energy storage, electrification and industrial steam generation.

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How does molten salt thermal energy storage work?

With thermal energy storage, electrical energy is first converted into heat. This heat is stored in a medium and can be used again at a later time.

For this purpose, Saltes has developed a salt composition with a lower melting point and reduced corrosiveness. This allows thermal energy to be stored at lower temperatures and enables the use of simpler materials.

For industrial companies, this creates the opportunity to use electricity when it is readily available and deploy the stored thermal energy later in the production process.

How do you connect a thermal battery to an industrial steam system?

For many industrial processes, storing energy is only part of the equation. Ultimately, the stored heat must be converted into usable process steam at the right time. This is where Clayton Steam comes in.

A thermal battery must be matched to factors such as the required steam pressure, the required capacity, the plant’s consumption profile and the existing energy infrastructure. Depending on the application, thermal energy storage can be connected to an existing steam system or form part of a new electrified or hybrid steam solution.

During the open afternoon, Clayton Steam will demonstrate how this connection between thermal energy storage and industrial steam generation can be implemented in practice.

Why is this relevant for industrial companies?

Thermal energy storage can be an attractive solution for companies looking to further electrify their energy supply while maintaining reliable steam generation.

By storing energy when electricity is readily available or attractively priced and using it later for steam generation, energy storage and steam generation can be better aligned.

The technology is relevant to production environments including:

• food and beverages
• paper and board
• chemicals
• other industries with continuous or highly variable steam demand

Thermal energy storage open afternoon in Wijchen

During the open afternoon, various aspects of an industrial energy storage solution will be covered:

Saltes
Molten salt thermal energy storage and the technology behind the thermal battery.

Clayton Steam
The connection between thermal energy storage and the industrial steam system.

Equans Nederland
How a thermal battery can be integrated into an existing, operational production facility.

Eneco
The business case for energy storage, with the storage project at PepsiCo as a practical example.

Modderkolk Projects & Maintenance BV
A guided tour of the production facility for one of the modules.

Participants will also visit the test installation, where they can see the molten salt system operating live.

Practical information

Date: 17 November 2026
Time: 15:00–18:00
Location: Technoforum Wijchen
Target audience: plant managers, utility managers and technical managers in industries including food, paper and chemicals

Would you like to explore how electrification, thermal energy storage and industrial steam generation can be combined within your production environment?

Register for the open afternoon in Wijchen.