The Role of Renewable Energy in Manufacturing Plants
This article was originally published on our website in 2019. We have updated it with case studies relevant to 2023.
The use of renewable energy is a big area for industries across the world, with the need for efficient technologies to produce less wasteful ways to produce consumer materials becoming increasingly paramount. We’re all used to the sight of wind turbines, solar panels and renewable forests, but where does the manufacturing sector stand on using renewable energy sources?
Energy Intensive Industries
Three of the most energy intensive industries are bulk chemical, mining and refining, with vast amounts of electricity being used to operate a number of essential systems including HVAC, heavy equipment and basic lighting across different areas of a plant. With some raw materials such as rubber requiring heating to 179-198°C (355-390°F), this type of intensive heating places a huge ecological (and monetary) burden on manufacturing companies.
Whilst fossil fuel energy sources are effective, they are not ecologically friendly, so new technologies such as wind and solar panels have become increasingly attractive. Even tidal power(hydropower) is slowly coming into its own, with massive future potential for electricity generation. TEXO Group announced only last week that they will be constructing Orbital Marine Power’s first commercial tidal turbine at the Port of Dundee in Scotland.
Hydropac offers every customer a customized solution for chilled and conditioned shipping. For example, we help a customer with limited freezing capacity to deliver gel packs frozen and ready to use, and we can manufacture almost all shapes and sizes of cooling elements. As a customer, you come first: we are here to help you.
Utilising renewable energy sources also helps manufacturers to futureproof against rising fossil fuel prices, especially as these become more in demand as resources slowly deplete.
Case Studies
- 2019 case study: Electric vehicle pioneer Tesla have vowed to power their “Gigafactory” via 100% renewable energy sources by the end of this year. So far, they are said to be on track, with this self-sustaining facility using a combination of wind turbines, rooftop solar and Tesla’s own Powerpacks for energy storage. Gigafactory 1 in Nevada, USA, will be at the time of opening the largest building in the world in terms of land mass, spread over a plot of land covering 15m square feet (that’s 3x bigger than Central Park!)
- 2023 update: The Tesla Gigafactory in Nevada showed great promise when building commenced, billed to become the largest building in the world. However, it has been in the news for different reasons as building operations were seen to get “stuck” at around 30% of its final planned size. Focus instead moved to optimizsing production capacity, but recent news is that Tesla will soon look to expand the factory again, working on the “C” section to be eventually used for battery cell manufacturing. This expansion is to support Tesla’s production of electric vehicles in the future. As it stands, Gigafactory Nevada uses 100% clean energy for its power: primarily solar with some wind power also.
- 2019 case study: Leading consumer goods corporation Procter & Gamble plan to power all of their North American facilities with 100% wind power, and to date purchase 80% of the electricity generated by a wind farm located in Cooke County, TX. They have stated that iconic brands from their American line up including Tide and Dawn are made with 100% wind power.
Sustainability Hydropac and CSR
Sustainability isn’t just a trend for us – it’s a promise. As we innovate, create, and lead, we keep our planet’s well-being at the forefront. With Hydropac, you’re not just preserving the quality of your cargo; you’re contributing to a healthier world.
Experience the power of sustainable temperature assurance with Hydropac – where excellence and environmental responsibility coexist for a brighter future.
