{"id":293091,"date":"2025-07-17T12:53:09","date_gmt":"2025-07-17T11:53:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gdes.com\/corporate\/?p=293091"},"modified":"2025-07-18T12:48:08","modified_gmt":"2025-07-18T11:48:08","slug":"cerveza-con-vapor-solar-un-caso-teorico-de-transicion-energetica-en-la-industria-agroalimentaria","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gdes.com\/corporate\/en\/blog\/2025\/07\/17\/cerveza-con-vapor-solar-un-caso-teorico-de-transicion-energetica-en-la-industria-agroalimentaria\/","title":{"rendered":"Beer with solar steam: A theoretical case of energy transition in the agrifood industry"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

The transition to clean energy sources in the agrifood sector is no longer just a vision \u2014 it\u2019s becoming a reality, driven by the need to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency, and decrease dependence on<\/strong> fossil fuels. Industrial processes such as cooking, pasteurization, and cleaning require large amounts of heat, and steam generation through solar technologies is emerging as a sustainable and cost-effective solution.<\/p>\n

In this article, we analyze the case of a brewery in Valencia that has integrated a concentrating solar thermal system based on linear Fresnel collectors. This plant now covers 10% of its thermal demand using solar energy, avoiding the emission of 1,300 tons of CO\u2082 per year \u2014 an investment made viable through an energy sales model and public support.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Introduction<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In the brewing industry, steam is an essential resource. From bottle pasteurization to wort boiling and equipment cleaning, a reliable and high-performance thermal source is required. The brewery analyzed, located in Valencia, operates continuously and has a high daily thermal demand.<\/p>\n

To reduce its carbon footprint and diversify its energy mix, the plant adopted a Solar Heat for Industrial Processes (SHIP)<\/strong> system \u2014 a solution that supplies high-temperature steam using only the sun as an energy source.System Characteristics<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/h4>\n

Concentrating solar thermal plant (SHIP)<\/strong><\/h4>\n
    \n
  • \n

    Technology:<\/strong> FLT20 linear Fresnel collectors (manufactured by Solatom)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Installed thermal power:<\/strong> 4.14 MW<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Operating temperature:<\/strong> 225\u202f\u00b0C<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Steam pressure:<\/strong> 8 bar (suitable for demanding industrial processes)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Collector area:<\/strong> 5,925 m\u00b2 (approx. 6,000 m\u00b2)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Sustainability and emission reduction<\/strong><\/h3>\n
      \n
    • \n

      CO\u2082 emissions avoided:<\/strong> 1,300 tons per year<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      Solar share of thermal demand:<\/strong> 10%<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      Fossil fuel replaced:<\/strong> Natural gas<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      The solar thermal plant reduces fossil fuel consumption, contributing to the decarbonization of the production process \u2014 all without compromising product quality or requiring significant changes to existing infrastructure.<\/p>\n

      \"solar<\/h3>\n

      Economic savings and operational efficiency<\/strong><\/h3>\n
        \n
      • \n

        Total investment (CAPEX):<\/strong> \u20ac3 million<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        Specific cost per m\u00b2:<\/strong> \u20ac500<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        Public subsidy received:<\/strong> \u20ac1.4 million<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        Business model:<\/strong> Thermal PPA (Power Purchase Agreement), where the brewery only pays for the solar steam it consumes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        O&M costs:<\/strong> Approx. 1% of CAPEX annually<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        IRR:<\/strong> Confidential, but positive due to the business model and public funding<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        This model enables third-party investment, eliminating the upfront financial barrier and allowing the brewery to benefit from energy savings from day one.<\/p>\n

        Energy resilience and additional benefits<\/strong><\/h3>\n
          \n
        • \n

          Flexible heat management:<\/strong> A thermal storage system allows the plant to adapt steam production to daily demand, ensuring efficiency even on cloudy days.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

        • \n

          Seamless integration:<\/strong> The system was implemented without redesigns or long production stoppages.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

        • \n

          Replicable model:<\/strong> While presented as a theoretical case, it is based on a real, functioning installation \u2014 offering a valuable reference for other industries seeking to decarbonize process heat.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Beyond sustainability, the system enhances energy resilience, supports compliance with environmental regulations, and strengthens the company\u2019s brand image as a climate-conscious business.<\/p>\n

          Conclusion<\/strong><\/h3>\n

          This case study shows that concentrating solar thermal energy is a viable, efficient, and scalable solution for energy-intensive industrial processes like brewing. The combination of sustainability, cost savings, and ease of integration positions linear Fresnel technology as a strategic tool for the energy transition in the agrifood sector.<\/p>\n

          With evolving business models and continued institutional support, the adoption of these systems is expected to grow \u2014 accelerating industrial decarbonization and boosting the competitiveness of Spanish industry.<\/p>\n

          <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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