FACILITIES MANAGEMENT FEATURE
can be stored for far longer without contamination. Depending on sourcing, HVO also produces markedly less carbon emissions than traditional fossil fuels.
HITTING NET ZERO TARGETS
Eliminating carbon emissions by 2050 seems a daunting task, and will require pragmatism from energy professionals. Taking this into account, Chris Rason, managing director for Northern Europe at Aggreko UK, identifies immediate routes by which UK industry can start its journey to net zero
“While industry has the right intentions, and it is willing to embrace greener, emission- reducing solutions when available, barriers still exist limiting wider uptake. It is therefore incumbent on suppliers to provide more sustainable energy technologies, processes and solutions if we are to continue on our route to net zero”
I
t is over a year since the Government took action on Committee on Climate
Change (CCC) recommendations and enshrined into law the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to ‘net zero’ by 2050. Though this target looks daunting and far-off, it is vital businesses take action to decarbonise their operations. While this may look difficult or
unfeasible to some, the CCC was keen to stress that the 2050 targets were ‘necessary, feasible, and cost-effective.’ However, even with this in mind, it is still crucial that businesses take immediate, pragmatic steps in the short term if they are to best position themselves to hit the 2050 target. Reassuringly, research from Aggreko
has shown that businesses are aware of the issue and open to adapting to meet it. Specifically, the temporary solutions supplier interviewed 200 UK energy professionals across a broad array of industries, with findings confirming that improving sustainability remains a vital concern. But while a resounding 96% of respondents said their company’s environmental impact was a ‘medium- to high-priority’, 85% of those surveyed still identified diesel as the fuel of choice for powering their on-site equipment. This clearly shows that while industry
has the right intentions, and it is willing to embrace greener, emission-reducing solutions when available, barriers still exist limiting wider uptake. It is therefore incumbent on suppliers to provide more sustainable energy technologies, processes and solutions if we are to continue on our route to net zero.
Combined heat and power Combined heat and power (CHP) technology represents a viable route to improving overall sustainability. CHP, or cogeneration, involves capturing and re-deploying wasted heat produced in conventional power plants to make hot water or steam for on-site processing applications. Producing all heat and power from a singular source means carbon emissions can be reduced by up to 30%, alongside efficiency rates of 80%-plus, and average savings of 20% on energy bills.
HVO Energy professionals can also choose generators that run on greener drop-in fuels, like hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO). Unlike regular biodiesel produced via esterification, HVO is made using treatment with hydrogen, otherwise known as hydrogenation. This process removes all oxygen from the HVO, so it
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Battery storage Progression in the rental space means that battery technology is no longer prohibitively costly to purchase on industrial scales. Energy storage technology excels in both on-site and grid support roles and, when incorporated into the energy mix, can help companies avoid technical issues associated with early-stage decentralised energy schemes. With sufficient supply, these difficulties, including low loads, transient loads, and voltage and frequency fluctuations, can all be mitigated.
AFFORDABLE SOLUTIONS While the value of these sustainable solutions is clear, financial concerns, exacerbated by COVID-19 disruption, means companies may lack the capital to finance permanent solutions. However, with recent Energy Live
News surveys identifying that the vast majority of businesses think now is the perfect time to progress net zero plans, more innovative funding approaches may be required. Strategic equipment hire from
suppliers like Aggreko could therefore prove an innovative strategy. While CHP systems represent a large expense, hiring this equipment as a ‘bridging gap’ solution means companies can reduce emissions in line with net zero without high cost barriers. Furthermore, rented solutions can
be classed as an opex cost, bypassing capex restrictions and allowing businesses to build the funding required to purchase a future permanent installation. The supplier is also responsible for ongoing equipment maintenance throughout the rental period, ensuring optimal performance. This support means companies hiring systems can be assured of their continued reliability, with any issues quickly resolved by the supplier at no extra cost. In conclusion, though reducing
emissions on track with net zero targets may seem extremely challenging, smaller steps exist that can help companies meet this long-term goal. With the added financial flexibility and support provided by ‘bridging gap’ hire solutions, organisations can take pragmatic action even at this challenging time, reaping both cost savings and sustainability benefits.
Aggreko
www.aggreko.com/netzero
ENERGY MANAGEMENT | AUTUMN 2020 21
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