This report includes the results of SHIP2FAIR T8.4, with reference to 10 replication studies carried out with the SHIP2FAIR Replication Tool. The aim of the studies has been to demonstrate the technical and financial feasibility, the maturity and affordability of solar thermal technologies for implementation in industrial processes.
The replication studies refer to 10 sites in 6 different countries (Italy, Spain, France, Slovenia, Jordan, India), and to 8 different industrial sectors (textile, chemical, wastewater treatment, dairy, meat processing, brewery, food, and research laboratory). It is highlighted that the current public deliverable only presents the key results of the replication studies in anonymized form, in order to protect sensitive information regarding the companies; the complete version of the studies has been delivered to the European Commission separately from the main report.
The execution of the replication studies has allowed drawing general conclusions in addition to the site specific results. Specifically, it has been shown that solar thermal technologies have a good potential for implementation in all industrial sectors characterized by a significant thermal energy demand, provided that site-specific prerequisites are met, such as solar resource availability (varying with latitude and local conditions as orientation/slope/obstacles) and of space availability for the installation of solar thermal plants.
The most suitable technology based on energy/environmental and financial parameters can always be done: the main barrier is constituted to the still low financial profitability for these solutions, which however could increase significantly in case public incentives are available to support these technologies and in case the market price of fuels increase, like following 2022 geopolitical situation. Based on the studies carried out, the Levelized Cost of Heat varies between 17 and 109 €/MWh and the payback time between 3 and 20 years. While HVFP collectors showed the best performance and economical KPIs for process temperatures below 100°C and water as heat transfer fluid, Fresnel technology resulted as best suitable technology for temperatures above 100°C with water or steam as heat transfer fluid.
This report is complemented by a special evaluation of a representative sample of the Spanish agri-food industry – represented by one of the partners: SPANISH CO-OPS – in order to make a diagnosis of the current penetration of solar thermal and the intentions for the near future with regard to this technology.
Read the report here.