The Norwegian group Kyoto has announced the acquisition of Mercury Energy, in a deal that marks its entry into the Spanish market. The new affiliate will change its name to Kyoto Technology Spain and will operate as a new business unit, responding to the growing demand for thermal energy storage in Europe.

The acquisition of Mercury will on the one hand strengthen the molten salt capacity that allows Kyoto to store this type of energy. It will on the other hand help to develop its business in the continent's key markets by expanding its geographical presence.

Innovative products
Andrés Barros Borrero, owner of Mercury Energy and RPOW Consulting, said, "The alliance between RPOW Consulting and Kyoto Group creates a world-leading company devoted to the development of innovative thermal storage products". An industrial engineer with 16 years’ experience in thermal energy storage applied to concentrating solar power (CSP) and industrial uses, Barros is one of the world's leading experts in this field.

Camilla Nilsson, CFO and interim CEO of Kyoto Group, explained, "Mercury Energy is an excellent strategic fit for us, adding to our growth capability and providing the key capacities we need to quickly scale our business and accelerate the commercial launch of Heatcube across Europe. Its expertise in molten salt thermal energy storage, as well as steam generation, enables us to offer modular and scalable solutions to some of Europe's most interesting industrial clients."

Intellectual property
Mercury is also bringing its intellectual property rights in molten salt thermal energy storage to Kyoto. This is in addition to  becoming a business unit that will enable it to target key markets for the launch of Heatcube thermal batteries for industry, as well as developing its after-sales service. These batteries, with a capacity of five megawatts, provide low-cost heat from excess solar and wind energy.

The partnership with RPOW Consulting does at the same time put Kyoto in contact with a group of molten salt experts. Barros himself will become the group's chief technology officer and manager of the Spanish affiliate, and will be responsible for R&D and operations and maintenance in Spain.

^{Photo: Kyoto Group}