Kobe Steel and Malta Inc. Enter into Capital and Business Alliance Agreement

Sep. 10, 2026

Kobe Steel, Ltd.

Kobe Steel, Ltd. has entered into a capital and business alliance agreement with Malta Inc., a U.S.-based company developing advanced high-temperature heat pump and thermal energy storage technologies.

This strategic collaboration seeks to advance more reliable and efficient energy utilization and contribute to further reductions in CO₂ emissions by leveraging the strong synergy between Malta’s expertise and Kobe Steel’s steam compression technologies.

Malta’s proprietary high-temperature heat pump technology—based on its unique steam management technology—enables efficient utilization of waste heat generated from industrial processes to supply high-temperature thermal energy, thereby contributing to improved energy efficiency and reduced CO₂ emissions. Malta’s thermal and electrical energy storage technology allows for long-duration storage of thermal energy and flexible output as heat or electricity, supporting stable and efficient energy utilization.

We recognize the significant potential of Malta's technologies, not only in contributing to the decarbonization of industries with high-temperature heat demand, but also in their flexibility, which enables the storage and use of thermal energy that has not been fully utilized so far. Furthermore, Malta's steam management technology demonstrates strong compatibility with our long-established steam compressor technologies. By combining the technologies, expertise, and know-how of both companies, we believe we can further accelerate the development, commercialization, and widespread use of Malta's solutions. This is a key factor behind our decision to form this strategic alliance.

Through this partnership, we will support the broader implementation of Malta's technologies and contribute to the advancement and widespread adoption of energy solutions, including high-temperature heat utilization, waste heat recovery, and long-duration energy storage (LDES) technologies, while striving to enhance efficient energy utilization and realize a decarbonized society. By combining the strengths of both companies, we aim to create new value and achieve both societal sustainability and business growth.

Malta Inc. is a cleantech company—originating from X (formerly Google X), a research and development organization under Alphabet Inc.—developing advanced high-temperature heat pump and thermal and electrical energy storage technologies based on its proprietary steam management technology. By combining highly efficient heat supply through the utilization of otherwise unused waste heat with long-duration thermal energy storage, Malta aims to advance decarbonization and enhance energy systems in the industrial sector.

The Kobe Steel Group (also known as the Kobelco Group) is advancing transformation initiatives to become a more appealing company for stakeholders under its current Medium-Term Management Plan (Fiscal 2024–2026). To realize this goal, the Group is promoting transformation initiatives, collectively called KOBELCO-X.

This strategic collaboration with Malta is part of our green transformation (GX) initiatives. Malta’s steam management technology and thermal and electrical energy storage technologies are highly compatible with our steam compressor technology, enabling more advanced energy utilization and contributing to CO₂ emission reductions by stabilizing the supply of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, which can sometimes be unstable due to natural conditions.

This initiative also contributes to CO₂ emission reductions through our technologies, products, and services, aligning with one of our priority issues under the current Medium-Term Management Plan: taking on the challenge of realizing carbon neutrality. In our machinery segment, we are pursuing the expansion of energy transition and resource circulation-related businesses, as well as the creation of new demand, aiming to turn these into business growth opportunities. Alongside strengthening the promotion of existing products, we are also working to create new businesses by leveraging the integration of our proprietary technologies. The strategic partnership with Malta also exemplifies our efforts in this area.

We will continue to advance our transformation initiatives aimed at making our company more appealing to all stakeholders, while providing solutions to the needs of society through the integration of our distinctive technologies, products, and services, with a view to a world in which people, now and in the future, can fulfill their hopes and dreams while enjoying safe, secure, and prosperous lives.