University of Edinburgh spinout Exergy3 has developed modular thermal energy storage systems that convert green energy into heat and store it at ultra-high temperatures, offering decarbonisation services with a multitude of applications. Around half of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions come from high-temperature processes that are powered by fossil fuels and used across a vast range of industries, from food and drink to district heating networks and combined heat and power plants. Decarbonising these processes so that global net zero targets can be reached by 2050 is what drives the team of expert engineers, scientists and professionals behind Exergy3, a University of Edinburgh spinout company that has developed cutting-edge high temperature thermal energy storage technology powered by green energy. Sustainable energy provision Exergy3’s technology provides a novel, practical and affordable pathway towards decarbonising heat. It was invented by Dr Adam Robinson of the University’s School of Engineering, now the company’s Chief Technology Officer, and is the culmination of a decade of research and development at the University. The system charges quickly, can store more energy at higher temperatures and with less thermal energy loss than other systems, and can be easily transported and installed with minor disruption to the user’s site. With a broad range of potential applications, from process heat provision for large-scale industry to decarbonising buildings through residential heating networks, Exergy3’s commercially viable technology could be a game-changer in the journey towards net-zero emissions. Dr Markus Ronde and Dr Adam Robinson with Mark Trainor and David Ashton-Hyde from Annandale Distillery Spinning out The University’s commercialisation service, Edinburgh Innovations, has assisted the Exergy3 team in accessing necessary funding and by providing expert company formation support. The company spun out in May 2023, after receiving £3.6M in grant funding from the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero. The funding was used to build a full-scale demonstrator for the Annandale Distillery in Dumfries and Galloway, which will allow the distillery to produce low-carbon whisky. In autumn 2024, the company announced the successful closure of a £1m pre-seed funding round, which was led by Zero Carbon Capital with participation from existing investors Scottish Enterprise and the University of Edinburgh's in-house venture investment fund Old College Capital (OCC). Since then, the company has continued to grow and is now ready to share its decarbonisation solution with the world. In May 2025, Exergy3 announced that, after years of innovation and engineering and months of manufacturing, testing and validation, the build of its first-of-a-kind ultra-high-temperature thermal energy storage system was complete and being installed at the Annandale Distillery. Chief Executive Officer Dr Markus Rondé, who completed his PhD at the University, said: This isn’t just a company milestone. This is one of the largest decarbonisation projects in Europe and a fundamental breakthrough enabling us to decarbonise industry cost-efficiently.Do you have an idea that could have a real impact on our world? At Edinburgh Innovations, we provide a leading staff enterprise support service, connecting you with funding and investors, and working with you to turn innovations into spinout opportunities. Get in touch to find out more. Make an impact Do you have an idea that could have a real impact on our world? At Edinburgh Innovations, we provide a leading staff enterprise support service, connecting you with funding and investors, and working with you to turn innovations into spinout opportunities. Get in touch to find out more Feeling inspired? Take the next step with Engage - Our online learning programme focuses on the ‘how to’ of external engagement and a practical first step in collaborating with external organisations.Sign up to our Unlocking Innovation newsletter - Be inspired by our innovators, discover the support and resources available to you and celebrate the latest innovation success stories.Explore the Innovation Careers Hub - The University's one-stop shop for all researchers interested in an innovative career.Contact us - If you have an idea and want to drive innovation from your research, meet the team ready to support you on your innovation journey. This article was published on 2024-07-01
