The imbalance of demand and supply of energy has caused unprecedented price increases across the globe.
Profound changes are required from UK businesses to adapt and ensure a larger energy crisis is avoided by securing supply of energy and limiting reliance on fossil fuels.
Adapt or Fail
In our “Keeping the Lights On” whitepaper, published in 2018, Veolia stated how an energy crisis is likely to occur with 50% of decision makers agreeing. We are now four years on, and the energy crisis predicted in our research is presenting us with an uncertain future.
Many businesses are rightly concerned about the increasing price of energy, its dwindling supply and the pressure demand is having on the Grid. The recent sequence of radical global events has contributed to the shift in the supply of energy and its prices. However, these events have also shown how people and businesses are able to quickly and efficiently adapt.
We are now in a position that demands this level of agility and adaptation regarding energy. The future of our supply depends on it. Businesses must take action in introducing a more self-sufficient energy supply to manage their own demand, build their own resilience and become more efficient and less reliant on traditional energy sources.
Sustainable Solutions for Secure Supply
For businesses, the means of creating your own energy supply is more attainable due to the scope of technologies and the vast range of sustainable solutions that are now available. The solutions available fall into three types: electrification, alternative fuels such as biofuels or waste and carbon capture, usage & storage (CCUS). In the UK we will need to see a wholesale transition in the coming years across industry but the dairy, sugar, bioethanol, paper and pharma sectors are well placed to take advantage of early adoption of alternative sources of power.
Here are a few to consider:
Electrification of heating: Heat pumps and electrical boilers
Heat pumps are an ideal solution for low temperature heating up to 90°C. Electric boilers can typically be used for small or back-up demand but both heat pumps and electric boilers are limited in power.
Alternative fuels: Bioenergy and waste as an alternative to fossil fuels
Bioenergy includes solid biomass and biogas. As of today, the majority of consumed biomass as a fuel in industry comes from captive co-products. The technology is available today to make the paper pulp and sugarcane industries self-sufficient. Waste is seen as a good alternative to biomass when available and cost competitive. It is a very local-specific fuel source on a small scale beset with the perception of a potential risk of contamination particularly in the Food & Beverage and Pharmaceutical markets. However as part of a District Heating Network waste can provide an ideal solution.
District Heating Networks
District heating systems offer local loops of energy that businesses and residential developments can utilise at a lower cost. These heating networks offer more security in terms of supply and can be transformed into a closed loop solution when utilising the heat from Energy Recovery Facilities (ERFs).
Battery stoarge as a blended solution
Of course energy balance plays a big part of blended solutions. Battery storage allows businesses to charge when the cost of power is lowest or excess power is generated and store ready to use in peak timings. This option not only allows businesses to lower costs, but also has the ability to take their site off-Grid and provide an emergency supply in case of a power outage when utilised amongst a number of supporting energy solutions.
Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage (CCUS)
Where Carbon emissions can not be avoided, Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage (CCUS) technology allows carbon dioxide to be extracted from emissions and then compressed and/or liquified. It can then either be used in industrial applications or can be pumped into underground stores, such as those under the North Sea. This helps to reduce the amount of CO2 released into the environment and promotes a carbon circular economy.
The power to avert the larger impact of the energy crisis is in our hands. The solutions are available but attitudes and stakeholder buy-in must change.
-Further Reading-
Veolia and Carbon Clean announce first carbon capture trials
Carbon capture technology is being positioned as the way forward in terms of reducing the impact of carbon on the environment. But what is it, what benefits does it offer and how is Veolia getting involved?
How heat pumps can help on the road to Net Zero
Solar panels and wind turbines have long been the symbols of greener, cleaner energy. But there are other proven technologies that are being adopted to help drive us towards a lower-carbon future.
Making green energy work for your business
Has your business switched to green energy, perhaps as part of a blended energy solution? It can help you meet sustainability targets, reduce your carbon footprint and save you money in the long run.