Solar thermal energy: The key to cheaper process heat costs in industry!

Solar thermal energy: The key to cheaper process heat costs in industry!

Interest in renewable energies in industry is increasing, as a recent study shows. The reasons for this are the price fluctuations for fossil fuels, the rising CO₂ costs and the security of supply risks due to geopolitical tensions. The German Solar Industry Association is optimistic about the market development of solar thermal energy and makes it clear that investments in solar heating systems are more economical than purchasing fossil fuels to generate process heat.

A study carried out by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE on behalf of BSW-Solar examines the yields and economic viability of solar process heat in industry. In this context, it becomes clear that solar thermal energy makes economic sense, particularly for low-temperature and medium-temperature applications in industry. With a solar share of up to 50 percent, investments in solar thermal energy are even cheaper than purchasing fossil fuels.

Economic efficiency of solar thermal energy

The payback period for solar thermal systems is between three and eight years, depending on the scenario, location and temperature range. An example of a 34-megawatt parabolic trough system in Würzburg shows: The system pays for itself after 5.5 years and saves over 40 million euros over 20 years. Taking today's value into account, there are savings of around 25 million euros with an investment of 12.6 million euros. Carsten Körnig, General Manager of BSW-Solar, emphasizes the economic viability and competitiveness of solar thermal energy.

Industrial process heat represents a relevant part of the energy demand in Germany, which is currently predominantly covered by fossil fuels. Solar thermal energy can provide temperatures of up to 400 °C and therefore offers a CO2-free solution for industry. The study is based on dynamic system simulations and includes solar radiation values, collector technologies, temperature ranges and heat storage in over 6,000 system configurations. Real and forecast natural gas prices, CO₂ taxes and funding instruments were also taken into account.

Prospects in the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region

At the same time, a study carried out for the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region shows that this region is one of the most electricity-intensive in Germany. Future electricity demand is expected to increase from the current 17 terawatt hours per year to 32 to 38 terawatt hours per year by 2045. The main driver of this increase is the decarbonization and electrification of industry.

The region's renewable energy potential is estimated at 16.2 gigawatts, although the current installed capacity is only about a tenth of that. There is particularly great potential in photovoltaic systems, with a potential output of 14.4 GW, and a maximum of 1.8 GW of wind power. However, even if the potential is fully exploited, the region will continue to rely on electricity imports of between 10 and 17 terawatt hours per year. These results are collected using the REMod energy system model to calculate the transformation paths of the German energy system up to 2045.

The figures make it clear that the energy transition in Germany, especially in industrial areas, must progress in order to meet the challenges of the future. A strong expansion of renewable energies is essential to achieve nationwide targets for reducing CO₂ emissions and to meet increasing energy needs.

For further information on the topics of renewable energies in industry and the electricity demand in the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region, see the articles by ECONEWS and Fraunhofer ISE.