Overcoming the challenges of the energy transition

Every business around the world uses energy. The sector you operate in largely determines the amount and type of energy you rely on. Some will be further along the path to Net Zero than others. However, there can be no doubt that all sectors are going through an energy transition and must find ways to deal with its challenges.

As the world's leading supplier of temporary power across all sectors, Aggreko knows just how important the energy transition is to protect our planet. However, we also understand the difficulties it can cause businesses to strive to remain profitable while switching to cleaner power.

Here we look at how the energy transition impacts different sectors and how Aggreko supports them through this process.

Utilities

Naturally, those that provide power to the masses are at the forefront of the energy transition and face the most significant challenges. As a result, operators are under constant pressure to reduce their emissions while at the same time increasing their output as the world demands more and more energy for the digital age.

Renewable energy technology is improving fast but only accounts for around 4% of global energy. So, there is a long way to go to eliminate our reliance on fossil fuels.

One of the biggest problems with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind is that they are not constant. Therefore, you need to have advanced storage technology to maintain an uninterrupted power supply when reducing energy generation. Key to this is Aggreko's 1 MW Battery  tested as part of an innovative project in Austin, Texas. Combined with solar power, this solution shows how Austin can reach its target of 65% renewable energy by 2027 and act as a guide for other regions in North America to follow.

But until we realize the benefits of renewable energy, utility operators need to find creative solutions to reduce their carbon footprint while remaining financially competitive. Aggreko installed LPG- powered Next Generation Gas generators on St Croix in the US Virgin Islands to meet this challenge. The project provided 20MW of power for 26,000 people with lower emissions than before. However, it also saved $6 million in the first two years.

Oil & Gas

We can't continue to use fossil fuels forever, so at some point, the oil and gas industry as we know it will cease to exist. Businesses within the sector understand this, so they have invested in renewable energy to make that transition in the future.

However, that will be a gradual transition over many decades. The 23rd World Petroleum Congress recently warned that trying to abandon fossil fuels too soon would result in chaos and high prices for consumers. The answer is for operators to produce oil and gas in the cleanest way possible to minimize the impact on the environment. However, they can still satisfy demand at competitive prices.

One way that Aggreko is helping is by using LNG to power midstream operations. For example, our project in the remote Bakken region reduced emissions by eliminating 3.6 billion cubic feet of gas flaring. This allowed the operator to keep running while meeting all local emissions.

Petrochemical and refining

The petrochemical and refining sector is pushing to reduce its environmental impact by decreasing its amount of greenhouse gasses. So how can they do this without completely changing their product and how they operate?

Refineries use large amounts of fuel during essential maintenance works, so Aggreko has developed solutions to provide the cleanest fuel possible. For example, we reduced one customer's nitrous oxide emissions by 80%. In addition, we saved them $250,000 when replacing their diesel generators with natural gas alternatives. A similar project on the west coast saw us reduce total emissions by 97%. As a result, the refinery could meet newly introduced California emissions laws and avoided penalties while maximizing productivity.

Food and beverage

Along with power, water is a critical component in food and beverage manufacturing. Aggreko uses innovative closed-loop cooling and chiller systems with cooling towers to maximize efficiency and to ensure as little power as possible is needed to keep water at the right temperature. Combined with our fleet of low-emission and renewable energy equipment, we can ensure that all your goods are produced in the most sustainable way.

Building services and construction

Construction projects typically have fluctuating power requirements that lead to generators running at near-full capacity during peak hours and less than 25% capacity at other times. Extremely inefficient in terms of both finances and emissions. Using Aggreko's battery storage solutions and intelligent software, excess energy can be stored during periods of low consumption to be used during peak periods. Mobile, modular equipment allows you to generate and use the power you need, reducing the amount of fuel required and lowering emissions.

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