Blog Layout
Solar Thermal for Industrial sites??
New Zealand has lots of solar thermal installations. We have more than 100 MWth installed covering area of 160,000 m2 of solar collectors. 90% happens to be Flat Plate Collectors for commercial and residential water heaters, but New Zealand has the potential to supply 60% of its process heat needs below 250°C. New Zealand gets more sun than Germany – an average irradiation of 1400-1500 kWh/m2/yr compared to 1000 kWh/m2/yr – and Germany has a LOT of solar thanks (in part) to government intervention in the early 21st century.
So why not use the sun to provide process heat for larger industrial sites?
Many countries have proven solar thermal application where Investment costs are promising with scalability. On average 100 m2 of solar collectors cost $2000/kWth[1] for small plants. Costs go down with size to $1000/kWth for areas larger than 1000 m2. So, for a typical industrial site with 10MW of boiler capacity, solar replacement would require a nice round $10,000,000 investment, compared with an estimated $4.5M for a coal equivalent. The coal boiler may cost $1m per year to operate, compared with $200k for solar, giving a payback of 7 years. Not too shabby!
The big BUT is that this doesn’t take into account the opportunity lost by the land taken up by the solar collectors. In our examples case, this would be rather large… around about 1.5 hectares by the time you add access, roads, heat storage and other necessary items. Not so economic after all?
By the way – it is done a bit overseas. The main image is of a Swiss Milk Processing facility.
It’s not too long ago that sustainability was considered a niche interest area, but as public awareness and interest on environmental issues has grown, eco-friendly practices have transformed sustainability from a buzzword into a business imperative. Green goals, bigger gains: the path from net zero to net profit As sustainability has become mainstream, consumers have become more discerning, looking beyond superficial green branding and demanding authentic sustainability practices. This evolution in consumer expectations signals a significant opportunity for businesses to leverage sustainability as a competitive advantage, positioning themselves favourably in a market that increasingly leans towards responsible consumption. Companies demonstrating transparency, affordability, and a long-term commitment to sustainability not only meet consumer demand but also secure long-term success. Afterall, it’s easier for consumers to identify environmentally responsible goods and they are willing to pay more for their sustainable products to lead a greener lifestyle. As regulations tighten and calls to live more consciously increase, companies failing to act risk falling behind. However, businesses that dynamically embrace sustainability can transform their carbon footprint into a strategic advantage , driving cost savings, enhancing brand reputation, and unlocking new market opportunities. From carbon management to energy efficiency and process engineering services, a tailored robust sustainability strategy positions businesses ahead of competitors who fail to switch to eco-friendly practices or prioritise environmental responsibility. Measuring and analysing carbon footprint – the first step towards net zero The first step towards sustainability is understanding where your business stands. Accurately measuring carbon emissions across all operations identifies the key areas for improvement. Standardised frameworks such as the Greenhouse Gas Protocol safeguards integrity and accuracy. Thorough energy audit and management assessment pinpoints energy wastage and inefficiencies. Specialist carbon footprint management tools are deployed to track progress and set realistic reduction goals. Collaborating with DETA’s experienced carbon management services simplifies this process, ensuring businesses comply with reporting standards while identifying cost-saving opportunities.
Learn how energy efficiency can lead to long-term savings. Discover practical tips for adopting sustainable practices to reduce energy consumption.
Explore how energy consultants help businesses reduce energy costs, enhance sustainability, and achieve environmental goals through expert guidance.
Focusing on action we can take today, to make a difference tomorrow.
