Our Mission is to Decarbonize the Industry: Martin Schichtel, CEO of KRAFTBLOCK

KRAFTBLOCK is an advanced energy storage system designed to decarbonize heavy industries such as steel, glass, ceramics, food, chemicals, and paper. By efficiently storing and releasing energy, it helps reduce carbon emissions across these sectors. Additionally, KRAFTBLOCK supports the breakthrough of renewable energy in industrial heating, paving the way for more sustainable energy practices in various industries.

SME Business Review reached out to Martin Schichtel, co-founder and CEO of KRAFTBLOCK, for an interview to discuss the company’s innovative energy storage solutions and its impact on decarbonizing industries. Here’s what Martin had to say.

Interview Excerpts

Could you tell us about the technology behind KRAFTBLOCK and how it sets you apart from other energy storage solutions?

KRAFTBLOCK’s core technology focuses on high-performance thermal energy storage. We use specialized materials that can absorb, store, and release energy efficiently. Unlike traditional batteries, which degrade over time, our system is built to last much longer with minimal maintenance. The ability to store energy in a compact and scalable way allows us to address both industrial and residential needs, which is one of the key differentiators.

You mention high-temperature materials in your systems. Could you explain how this works and why it's a better approach?

Sure. Our system works by converting electrical energy into heat and storing it in a high-temperature storage medium. This heat is stored for long periods without significant energy loss. Unlike other storage solutions, which require large spaces and degrade over time, our technology can store energy for days or even weeks. This method provides us with a compact, reliable, and scalable solution for energy storage across various use cases.

What would you say is the most important benefit of your energy storage technology for your clients?

The key benefit is the ability to store large amounts of energy efficiently. Our technology allows users to store energy when demand is low, and release it when needed most. Whether it’s for a residential home or a large industrial plant, we ensure that energy can be stored with minimal loss and delivered exactly when it's required. This addresses the challenge of renewable energy being intermittent—like solar or wind power—by making sure the energy is there when you need it.

How does KRAFTBLOCK's technology contribute to sustainability in the energy sector?

Sustainability is at the heart of our mission. Many conventional energy storage systems rely on rare earth metals, which are costly and difficult to recycle. We focus on using more sustainable materials that are both easier to source and more recyclable. Our technology also reduces the need for fossil fuels by helping businesses and households store renewable energy, minimizing their carbon footprints. This contributes to a more sustainable energy ecosystem globally.

How do you see KRAFTBLOCK's technology helping with the growing demand for renewable energy?

The demand for renewable energy is rising as more industries and households move towards cleaner energy solutions. The challenge, however, is that renewable energy, such as solar and wind, is intermittent—it’s not always available when needed. Our technology allows energy to be stored efficiently and released when required, making it easier for companies and individuals to rely on renewable energy. This, in turn, helps accelerate the transition to a carbon-neutral world.

You mentioned that your system has a long lifespan compared to other storage technologies. How does this benefit users?

Our system is designed to last far longer than traditional battery solutions. Batteries degrade over time, which means they need to be replaced more frequently. With KRAFTBLOCK, our technology has a much longer lifespan and requires minimal maintenance. This results in a much lower total cost of ownership for our customers. It’s not just about energy storage; it’s about providing a reliable, long-term solution that doesn’t add ongoing costs or environmental strain.

What challenges did you face when developing KRAFTBLOCK’s technology, and how did you overcome them?

One of the major challenges was creating a system that could store energy efficiently for extended periods. Achieving this meant working with high-performance materials that could retain heat for long periods without significant energy loss. The key was in finding the right balance between material cost, performance, and scalability. Our team spent years researching, testing, and refining the technology, and we're incredibly proud of where we are today.

What role do you think collaboration with other industry players plays in the growth of KRAFTBLOCK?

Collaboration is absolutely essential. We work closely with energy providers, industrial clients, and even policymakers to ensure our technology aligns with broader energy goals. By partnering with other innovators, we can share knowledge and drive further advancements in energy storage. It’s all about creating an ecosystem that supports sustainability, and collaboration is a crucial piece of that puzzle.

How do you envision the future of KRAFTBLOCK in the energy storage industry?

I believe KRAFTBLOCK will play a significant role in the future of energy storage. As more industries and countries focus on renewable energy and carbon neutrality, the demand for efficient, sustainable storage solutions will only increase. With our technology, I see us expanding globally and helping businesses, governments, and households transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy systems. We are committed to continually innovating and addressing the challenges of energy storage, and that’s what will keep us moving forward.

Martin Schichtel, Co-Founder & CEO, KRAFTBLOCK

“KRAFTBLOCK’s innovative technology offers unparalleled large-scale, long-duration energy storage, empowering industries to transition towards sustainable thermal processes.”