Troyes, May 29th 2026 – The start-up Epyr and the WEPA Group are inaugurating, at the paper manufacturer's Troyes site, France's first thermal energy storage unit dedicated to the electrification of industrial heat, in the presence of François Baroin, Mayor of Troyes and President of Troyes Champagne Métropole.
This inauguration marks the realization of a shared ambition between Epyr and its industrial partner WEPA: electrifying heat at a competitive cost, at pace, and in service of European energy sovereignty. This project was funded by the French State as part of France 2030 operated by ADEME. This is a mandatory sentence as the project has been awarded a subsidy for this stage and for the next from Ademe
A national first: from concept to commissioning in under six months
Epyr's unit is France's first installation combining power-to-heat and thermal energy storage at industrial scale. It demonstrates that a breakthrough technology can decarbonize industrial heat at a cost competitive with gas, with zero disruption to industrial processes.
Designed, built and commissioned in under six months, the installation also sets a benchmark for industrial execution, paving the way for large-scale deployment of industrial electrification. After three months of commercial operations, the Epyr unit covers one quarter of WEPA's steam requirements at the Troyes site, marking a founding milestone in the deployment of this technology across Europe.
A competitive, low-carbon technology in service of the electricity system
Epyr's technology produces heat from low-carbon electricity, stores it in a ceramic core, and delivers it as steam. Electricity consumption is concentrated during periods of high renewable output and lower prices. As a result, fluctuations in the price of fossil fuels have less impact for industrial users.
The unit also provides the electricity system with a new flexibility tool, by participating in RTE's reserve markets, whose balancing needs are growing as renewable energy expands. Epyr combines the protection of industrial competitiveness with the strengthening of energy sovereignty.
Towards a French industrial heat electrification sector
The thermal energy storage unit forms part of the WEPA Group’s decarbonisation strategy and will reduce significantly the emissions of the Troyes site.
Building on this first reference, Epyr confirms that several additional deployments are under study, with announcements expected in the second half of 2026. The company is targeting industrial steam as a priority, a segment representing more than 90 TWh per year in France and several thousand sites, primarily in paper, food and beverage, and chemicals.
Supported by France's nuclear and renewable electricity, this trajectory offers industrial users a reliable, low-carbon and competitive supply. Epyr is thus contributing to the emergence of a French and European industrial electrification sector.
"The combination of simple technical principles leads to an extraordinarily high-performing solution for industrial sectors. It is remarkable on WEPA's part to always be seeking ways to save resources. I congratulate Epyr on this success, which opens the door to many developments in French industry.” says François Baroin, Mayor of Troyes and President of Troyes Champagne Métropole.
"Today we are witnessing a historic first, marked by innovation, reindustrialisation, and the ecological transition of our country. Epyr is a project awarded under the France 2030 investment plan, as part of the DEMIBaC programme, which supports innovation projects covering all processes and technologies for the decarbonisation of industry." declares Franck Dorge, Secretary General of the Aube Prefecture, Sub-Prefect of Troyes
"The reason we turned to Epyr's solution was its promise of fast, seamless decarbonisation for site operations. Today, that promise has been kept: in under six months, with zero disruption to our production, the installation is fully operational and helps us to implement our decarbonisation strategy," says François Roposte, Mill Manager of the WEPA site in France.
"This success is owed to WEPA's pioneering trust, having supported Epyr since 2024 and opened their Troyes site to our technology. This inauguration is only a starting point: it paves the way for large-scale deployment of our technology, in service of the decarbonization and energy sovereignty of French and European industry," conclude Léa Dardenne and Bastien Oggeri, co-founders of Epyr.
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About Epyr
Epyr develops innovative thermal storage solutions to help industries move away from fossil fuels. By making high temperature, decarbonized industrial heat both competitive and easy to deploy, Epyr aims to accelerate the energy transition and reduce global emissions. Founded in 2024 by Bastien Oggeri, entrepreneur and co-founder of Innovafeed (member of the French Tech Next40), and Léa Dardenne, former partner at Boston Consulting Group specializing in energy and climate, Epyr now has around fifteen employees. The team brings together strong expertise in technology, energy, industry, and entrepreneurship, all serving the electrification of industrial heat.
About WEPA
With its products, the WEPA Group ensures the well-being and hygiene of millions of people across Europe – every day and everywhere. The future-oriented family business employs more than 4,500 people at 15 European production sites. WEPA is one of the three largest manufacturers of hygiene paper in Europe and an expert in the production of hygiene paper made from recycled fibres. Annual turnover exceeds 1.9 billion euros. The WEPA portfolio includes sustainable and innovative hygiene solutions – ranging from toilet paper and kitchen rolls to hand towels, napkins and handkerchiefs, as well as complete washroom solutions, recycled fibres, semi-finished products and raw materials for industrial use. The WEPA Group is headquartered in Arnsberg, Germany.
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