Europe’s energy systems are under pressure: electrification, volatile grid feed-in, and rising power demand are making grid stability and predictable energy a matter of location. This is precisely where Emerald Horizon AG comes in. The Graz-based deep-tech company provided an update on its DUALstore PLUS storage system during a press conference today and introduced Norbert Hofer as its new Vice President.
Modular hybrid system
Emerald is pursuing a two-product approach with different time horizons. DUALstore PLUS is the market-oriented infrastructure component for storage capacity: a modular hybrid system that combines battery storage (Estore) and high-temperature thermal storage (CALstore) into a single solution and coordinates them via a central, software-based control system. The system size scales from 5 to 100 MWh; CALstore delivers heat up to 550 °C—suitable for applications where electricity and process heat are considered together.
In parallel, Emerald is developing ADES (Accelerator Driven Energy Source), a scaling path for long-term, predictable, CO₂-free energy based on a subcritical, externally controlled system. An ADES module delivers 25 MW of thermal power and can provide approximately 10 MW of electrical power for up to 20 years. Energy generation ceases immediately as soon as the external excitation is switched off.
Florian Wagner, founder and CEO of Emerald Horizon AG, describes the logic behind this as follows: “In 2026, we will visibly enter the build phase. DUALstore PLUS addresses grid compatibility and predictable storage capacity in modular units today. ADES is our scaling path for clean, reliable, and CO₂-free energy—with safety logic firmly anchored in the system design.”
Translating research into industry-ready products
At the heart of the technical development is Dr. Mario Müller, who, as the scientific lead, is responsible for the technological foundations of DUALstore PLUS and ADES and drives the translation of research into industry-ready products. Müller emphasizes the feasibility: “DUALstore PLUS is designed so that storage functions as a product—modular from 5 to 100 MWh, with thermal and electrical storage in a single system and clear control logic. ADES follows a subcritical approach with external controllability; the safety logic is not a marketing promise, but is physically well-founded. The system is safe, extremely powerful, and will revolutionize our energy systems.”
With Norbert Hofer, Emerald is strengthening its implementation capabilities precisely where industrialization, site development, and the regulatory path determine pace and acceptance. Hofer served as Minister of Infrastructure and, during Austria’s EU Council Presidency, chaired the meetings of the Council of the EU as gatherings of the relevant ministers from the member states. “Energy supply determines competitiveness, resilience, and prosperity,” says Hofer. “I am committed to this out of conviction, because here in Austria a platform is emerging that has international relevance. In this phase, what counts are implementation power and trust.” Florian Wagner concluded: “This turns a technical idea into an industrial path—and makes Graz a hub where Europe’s energy future is taking shape.”
Press contact: +43 316 57 46 48; media@emerald-horizon.com
[Source: PA EMERALD HORIZON, February 3, 2026; translated with DeepL]