Choose the right technology for heat decarbonisation
Heat decarbonisation is essential to significant Scope 1 and 2 emission reductions. It typically accounts for >50% of site emissions, so organisations are looking to quickly and cost-effectively narrow down their options.
On this page, we bring together a range of expert guides, articles, and resources on how to efficiently decarbonise heat. We compare the different options and outline how Verco can help you plan ahead.
Mini guide #1: Low Carbon Fuels
In this guide – available in video and/or PDF format – Jonny Pigott explores why low carbon fuels like hydrogen, biogas and biomass are being increasingly selected for hard-to-abate sectors or for specific location and process reasons. He offers advice on multiple fuel options, outlining what the pros and cons of each one are.
In a nutshell...
Hydrogen is a potential solution for the hardest to abate sections of industry with specific very high temperature requirements (e.g. chemicals, glass & minerals, iron & steel manufacturing).
Biogas is most likely to be useful for large processing plants with significant waste or residue streams.
Biomass can provide all the same heating functions as conventional fossil fuel systems. However, securing a long-term, sustainable biomass supply is location-dependent and can be a challenge.
Mini guide #2: Electrification of Heat
In the second part of our mini guide series, Matt Dickinson discusses how a rise in renewable electricity production means electricity is becoming a lower carbon source of heat than fossil fuels. Switching from gas to electricity is becoming more popular for industrial heat decarbonisation, but there are multiple options to consider. Matt uses helpful graphs and tables to explain and compare a range of them.
In a nutshell...
A business case for an electrification solution depends on the system efficiency, the relative price of electricity, and the existing fuel source.
Heat pumps have a more nuanced design than traditional steam boiler systems, so understanding the temperature profile of your processes is a key starting point for moving to heat pumps.
Electric boilers provide a convenient source of heat across a wide temperature range and are ideal within a decarbonised grid. However, electricity prices and grid capacity can limit their application to situations such as isolated, high temperature processes.
Mini guide #3: Renewable Heat
In the third guide, Matt discusses how solar thermal and geothermal heat sources are being used for decarbonising heat production in industry. He describes two methods of solar thermal heat generation, operating at low and high temperatures. He also examines geothermal heat.
In a nutshell...
Geothermal energy is a potential source of carbon free heat with low operating costs (though these depend on whether the geology and temperature of each location are favourable).
Solar thermal panels produce heat that is generally used for hot water but can also be used in combination with other heat sources, e.g. heat injection to boiler circuits.
Solar thermal concentrators make temperatures of more than 300°C possible (although temperatures up to 200°C are more typical for thermal applications). This method is limited to sunny climates.
Mini guide #4: Thermal Energy Storage
Heat storage is not a decarbonisation method in itself, but it can be integrated as part of an overall strategy for heat production and delivery. In our latest mini guide, we look at various short-term heat storage solutions such as water, PCMs, solid materials, and molten salts. We explain where each one is most effective and what its main strengths and weaknesses are.
In a nutshell...
Water can be used to recover heat from industrial processes or store heat from heat sources such as CHP sets for peak load control.
Phase Change Materials (PCMs) can have a high heat storage density and be used to store heat at specific temperatures. PCMs tend to be more expensive to implement.
Heat storage based on solid materials could employ inexpensive materials such as concrete and rock, and several proprietary systems are available as turnkey solutions.
Fast-track heat decarbonisation with Low-Carbon Heat Blueprints
With so many technology options and the associated high opportunity cost, it’s essential to make sure you are making the most effective choices for heat decarbonisation. In this Q&A with Head of Deliver for Zero Thanos Patsos, we discuss how to avoid expensive mistakes and move towards implementation with confidence.
Streamline decarbonisation of your operations with a low-cost, strategic approach to aging assets
Low carbon heat has become a buzzword of sorts as manufacturers are challenged to meet the rising demand for heat decarbonisation without risking financial faux pas. This article suggests a few efficient ways for businesses to make the most of low carbon heat opportunities without investing too much money and effort.
Low-Carbon Heat Blueprint service
Verco offers a cost-effective service that helps you narrow down your options quickly and avoid getting locked in stranded assets. Our expert team provides you with evidence-backed and clear direction on risk-ranked, viable thermal decarbonisation solution concepts. We help you with the project definition and investment case, covering carbon and cost savings and building internal confidence.
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Experts on the topic
