Orcan Energy relies on cutting-edge technology from Howden to convert large amounts of industrial waste heat into clean electricity

 

Frankenthal/Munich, 11.11.2025 – Orcan Energy, a leading provider of modular solutions for generating electricity from waste heat, is collaborating with international turbomachinery specialist Howden (formerly Kühnle, Kopp & Kausch (KK&K), later Siemens, now part of Chart Industries) and equipping its ORC system efficiency PACK eP 1000 with Howden's cutting-edge technology. The first major projects, including a joint project between Holcim and E.ON at the Dotternhausen cement plant, are already underway.

Waste heat as untapped potential – Orcan makes it usable

Industrial waste heat is considered one of the world’s largest untapped energy resources. With its products (efficiency PACKs), Orcan Energy offers solutions for tapping into these energy sources and converting them into CO₂-free electricity. With the integration of a high-performance turbine manufactured by Howden, the newly launched efficiency PACK eP 1000 now achieves a new level of efficiency. The system reliably converts waste heat sources, especially those above 200°C, into clean electricity, but can also be used in, for example, geothermal projects with temperatures from 120°C.  

Howden turbine increases efficiency and flexibility

At the heart of the efficiency PACK eP 1000 is Howden's high-performance turbine, which is used instead of the screw expander used in the smaller efficiency PACK eP 050.100 and eP 150.200 product series. This enables the new ORC module to achieve higher efficiencies of over 20%, operate efficiently even at partial load, and respond flexibly and dynamically to fluctuating waste heat quantities and temperatures.

In addition, the turbine is low-maintenance and hermetically sealed thanks to an innovative seal. This means that no working medium escapes, refilling is not necessary, and there are no EX zone restrictions on the ORC. This reduces costs and installation effort and increases operational safety.

“With the eP 1000, we are opening up a new performance segment for industrial waste heat utilization and geothermal energy,” says Andreas Sichert, CEO of Orcan Energy. “The cooperation with Howden enables us to combine the advantages of sophisticated turbine technology with our modular ORC platform. We are delighted to have gained an experienced and reliable partner in Howden.”

Howden also emphasizes the importance of the collaboration: “We are delighted to contribute our technology to this groundbreaking ORC system,” explains Dr. Volker Brakel, Head of Steam Turbines at Howden. "Our turbine combines maximum performance with durability and rapid adaptability. Together with Orcan Energy, we offer industries a future-proof solution for reliably converting waste heat into clean energy. "

Modular, scalable, ready for use

Like all Orcan systems, the efficiency PACK eP 1000 is based on a modular design that is prefabricated and tested at Orcan's factory. On site at the customer's premises, the system is connected to external, scalable air coolers and heat exchangers. Orcan delivers a turnkey solution including project planning, engineering, commissioning, and even financing.

Contribution to industrial decarbonization

With the efficiency PACK eP 1000, Orcan Energy is strengthening its role as a technology leader in waste heat utilization. Energy-intensive industries such as cement, steel, and glass benefit in particular from a powerful, scalable solution that reduces CO₂ emissions and drives forward the energy transition.

About Howden

The headquarters of Howden Turbo (HTO), Howden Turbo GmbH, located in Frankenthal, was founded in 1899 under the name Kühnle, Kopp & Kausch (KKK). In October 2017, the Scottish engineering company Howden acquired the business, which had previously been part of Siemens from 2006 to 2017. Additional HTO locations include Helsingør, Denmark; Espoo, Finland; and Peterborough, United Kingdom. Howden Turbo is a leading provider of turbo compressors, wastewater compressors, turbo fans, and steam turbines, which are used in renewable power generation, the chemical industry, water and wastewater management, as well as in power plants and mining operations. Altogether, we are around 800 well-trained and dedicated employees who work with heart and soul to make our customers’ processes more efficient.