Electrification of industrial heat
About 80% of the energy consumed in the industry is used for the generation of heat. This heat production is at the moment generated by (the combustion of) fossil fuels. Renewable electricity will be the driving force for the future industry. Efficient and flexible electrification of the heat supply to the industry is thereby of key importance for the transition of industry.
We perform research in close cooperation with other researchers at the TU Delft and ISPT on: thermal heat storage (see also energy storage), heat pump integration in processes, high level energy system analysis.
Some important outcomes of our research are:
• A smart portfolio of renewable energy sources (typically 80% (MWh) wind (off shore) and 20% (MWh) solar) can deliver 75% of the electricity for direct consumption
• The 25% shortage in renewable electricity supply should be solved by a combination of demand side response, energy storage and back up energy. Flexibility is important
• Energy efficiency (e.g. heat pumps) always pays off at a system level as it results in a sharp decrease in requirements for grid connection, renewable energy generation, storage and back up energy. However at a plant level efficient technologies may appear more expensive and more complex.
More information about our research can be found in (all in Dutch):
Flexible and efficient electrification of the industry, 2023 Flexible and efficient electrification of industry - Industrial Heat & Power (industrialheatandpower.nl)
Aanbodgestuurde productie maakt elektrificatie mogelijk verduurzamingindustrie.mett.nl/actueel/nieuws/2397960.aspx
“Flexibiliteit en efficiency moeten hand in hand gaan” inzicht.vemw.nl/magazine/vemw-inzicht-nr-2-2023/flexibiliteit-en-efficiency-moeten-hand-in-hand-gaan/