The history and vision of Orcan Energy

Solutions from Orcan Energy allow companies from all sectors of industry to convert unused waste heat into very affordable, zero-carbon electricity. They can then choose whether to use this energy themselves or feed it back into the grid.

Orcan Energy’s first module went into operation in 2009. But our history goes back to 2004 and the research work using a small ORC system at the Technical University of Munich. Orcan Energy was founded in 2008 by Dr. Andreas Schuster, Richard Aumann and Dr. Andreas Sichert.

Right from the start, the team behind Orcan Energy knew that the micro power plants they developed would have to be robust, flexible and easy to install and service. Only then could they be used by a large number of customers to exploit the massive energy potential around the world. That is why we only use proven standard components when producing our efficiency PACKs. We can do this based on a smart design that we developed ourselves and that is protected by over 100 patents. This design ensures that our products remain robust and easy to service. Orcan technology can be connected to various kinds of waste heat sources. Today, it is used almost anywhere that waste heat is generated: from foundries, biogas plants and breweries to ship and truck engines and the production of glass and construction materials. Our technology works at temperatures of 60°C and above.

In 2011, Orcan Energy gained financial backing for research and development from venture partners Kleiner, Perkins, Caufield and Byers (KPCB) and Wellington Partners. Silicon Valley-based investors KPCB had previously financed companies like Amazon, Google, Twitter and Nest. They chose to support Orcan Energy due to our promising approach in the cleantech environment. Other strategic investors include E.ON and Aliad, the venture capital subsidiary of global market leader Air Liquide. Quadia, a sustainable investment specialist from Switzerland, joined in 2015.

In 2014, Orcan Energy introduced the first efficiency PACK to the biogas market, together with energy supply company and E.ON subsidiary Bayernwerk Natur. Today, Orcan Energy efficiency PACKs are used in Germany, Belgium, Austria, the UK and Italy.

Orcan Energy has developed into one of the world’s leading cleantech businesses, driven by an innovative spirit and the unwavering commitment of its employees to making the world a better place in times of climate change. Better to start today than tomorrow.