INEGI intends to create solutions to improve the energy efficiency of production processes and decarbonize the use of energy in the resin sector.
The resin sector challenged INEGI to create solutions to improve the energy efficiency of its production processes and decarbonize energy use, contributing to the reduction of the sector’s environmental footprint. The team of experts got to work and outlined 6 measures with an impact on reducing energy consumption and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.
Waste heat recovery and the integration of renewable energy sources are two of them. Both, explains Francisco Lázaro, responsible for the project at INEGI, “promote significant reductions in energy use and, consequently, in associated GHG emissions“. Reductions of between 25% and 30% in energy use and between 11% and 70% in polluting gas emissions are estimated.
The electrification of processes, namely through the integration of heat pumps for industrial use, is another solution towards energy efficiency and decarbonization of the sector. It has the potential to reduce annual energy use by 28% and GHG emissions by 20%. However, warns Francisco Lázaro, “its effectiveness in decarbonization depends on the use of renewable energy sources for electricity production”.
In addition to these measures, the application of thermal insulation, the valorization of by-products and the retrofitting of equipment and processes.
“It is possible to conclude that thermal insulation is easy to implement and has a quick return, but its impact is usually reduced. The energy recovery of by-products, on the other hand, reduces the use of Natural Gas, without major investments“, says Francisco Lázaro.
Measures strengthen this industry
This work is being developed within the scope of the RN21 Integrated Project, which brings together a consortium of 37 entities – including INEGI – to revitalize one of the traditional sectors of the national economy and innovate throughout the value chain. From the forest to the final consumer, including the moment of resination.
With an investment of more than 26 million euros and financial support from the European Union of more than 17.6 million euros, the project has a duration of about three years and is based on three pillars: the promotion of the production of national natural resin, the strengthening of the sustainability of the manufacturing industry and the commitment to the positive differentiation of natural resin and derived products.
INEGI is responsible for coordinating the working group that is developing solutions for the efficient use of water and energy, as well as leading the sector’s transition to renewable energy.
The RN21 Integrated Project is co-financed by the European Union, under the Bioeconomy program of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP). It is one of the 23 innovation agendas that has the contribution of INEGI.
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