For the GRITH project, the first steps involve mapping the industrial sites and business parks in each partner region that will potentially be involved in this energy transition project. The results feed into the local Energy SWOTs and provide input for designing next generation business models. During the consortium’s first online meeting on 26th September, it was time to share and compare findings.
Parameters & Categories
Using a previously circulated format, each region created a descriptive inventory according to particular parameters with a view to categorizing sites. Project Coordinator Hein Braaksma guided the discussions: “The information gathered so far shows a wide variety of sites and companies – the site in Dunkirk is clearly the largest in the GRITH project and a major CO2 emitter.” Partners discussed how to categorize the different sites and parks so we can compare issues, measures and results. At this initial stage we need to agree on our classifications. The Standard Business Index could be a useful tool to clusters all types of businesses: Heavy Industry, Trade & Services and so on. Energy consumption, primary energy source, potential for energy efficiency are also important variables.
The information gathered so far shows a wide variety of sites and companies
Size matters
During the ensuing discussions a number of factors were noted:
- Size matters – including the number of actors/businesses
- Solutions need space – is this space available on site and/or in vicinity
- Energy consumption and intensity of CO2 emissions vary
As a trial demonstration to visualize options for on-site renewable energy production, Hein made a pre-calculated how many PV panels would be required to cover the sites current energy consumption. (Borås had already researched this and the required/ suitable roof space at their Viared site). It is clear that PV panels will not produce enough energy to meet the demand at large scale industrial sites. A mix of renewable energy sources could be the solution for many sites: solar, wind, geothermic, biomass and biomethane. Different approaches of activation and communication are discussed and need to be developed in more detail.
“Part of this process is also defining the issues we need to address, “ says Braaksma. "Are these energy or business related? As the consortium searches for a practical grouping of the mapped sites, we’re also getting to know each other’s situation better.”
Energy consumption & potential
To make insightful comparisons, the partners agree the need to work with a common denominator in terms of energy consumption calculations. Moreover, the distinction between high temperatures used for industrial manufacturing and the energy consumed for heating buildings etc. is also a defining factor.
Right now energy efficiency is an essential first step and has possibly the most direct effect.