H&M (Hennes & Mauritz) Group has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Rondo Energy to explore cutting-edge heat storage technologies aimed at decarbonizing its textile supply chain. Known for its trendy and sustainable fashion designs that appeal to a wide range of age groups, H&M is dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment. This collaboration signifies a significant step towards achieving net zero emissions for the global fashion retailer. Let’s delve into how this partnership could revolutionize H&M’s textile operations.
According to a press release issued on June 19, H&M is set to join Rondo’s Strategic Investor Advisory Board (SIAB). This strategic move involves H&M investing to support the expansion of Rondo’s operations and storage projects. The primary goal of this collaboration is to replace traditional fossil fuels with Rondo’s innovative Heat Batteries. These advanced energy-efficient batteries have the capability to convert renewable electricity into continuous high-temperature heat and power, essential for large-scale textile production.
In a recent development, Rondo and SCG Cleanergy unveiled Southeast Asia’s first heat battery, and the world’s first heat battery designed for a cement plant. With plans to scale production up to 90 GWh annually, Rondo’s presence in Southeast Asia, a key hub for the global textile industry, positions them well to support H&M Group’s sustainability efforts in the region. Eric Trusiewicz, CEO of Rondo Energy, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “Rondo is thrilled to be working in partnership with H&M Group to explore how our technology can benefit their supply chain.”
Dubbed as the “Brave Little Toaster,” the Rondo Heat Battery is a game-changer in the textile industry’s decarbonization efforts. This innovative battery, described as a stack of bricks with immense power, combines traditional methods with modern automation to convert renewable energy into a sustainable power source. By offering a clean alternative to fossil fuels, the Rondo Heat Battery has the potential to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of fabric production.
H&M Group’s involvement in Rondo’s advisory board aligns them with other industry giants committed to low-cost, zero-carbon energy solutions. The partnership also includes global players like Rio Tinto, Aramco Ventures, SABIC, SCG, TITAN, and SEEIT, further underscoring the significance of this collaboration in driving sustainable practices in the fashion industry.
Rondo Energy, a California-based renewable energy semiconductor manufacturer, aims to slash global CO2 emissions by 15% over the next 15 years. The Rondo Heat Battery offers a cost-effective energy storage solution, reducing energy price volatility while providing 24/7 zero-carbon heat. By eliminating scope 1 and 2 emissions and mitigating pollutants such as NOx and SOx, this battery stands as a beacon of sustainability in the textile sector.
John O’Donnell, Founder & Chief Innovation Officer of Rondo Energy, highlighted the significance of transitioning to cleaner energy sources, stating, “At Rondo, we’ve created a practical tool to harness wind and solar power, which are becoming cheaper than fossil fuels. Our brick batteries offer a sustainable solution to the energy-intensive fabric production process.”
Laura Coppen, Sustainability Investments at H&M Group Ventures, emphasized the importance of Rondo’s thermal battery energy storage in achieving H&M’s climate targets. As H&M aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2024, this partnership marks a crucial step in their sustainability journey. The fashion industry, known for its energy-intensive processes, faces challenges in reducing its carbon footprint. H&M’s commitment to decarbonization is evident in their strategic plans to cut GHG emissions by at least 90% and offset residual emissions through CO2 removal technology.
H&M’s climate transition plan, outlined in their latest sustainability report, focuses on energy efficiency, renewable energy sourcing, and the implementation of circular systems to reduce reliance on virgin materials. By collaborating with Rondo Energy, H&M is taking proactive steps towards a more sustainable future for the fashion industry. This partnership holds the promise of driving significant progress in decarbonizing the textile sector and fostering a more sustainable approach to fashion production.
