Innovative solar thermal energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the brewing industry in Namibia

Energy
Project type
Demonstration project
Project coordinator
AB Inbev
Project partner
Heliovis
Start date
January 2, 2023
Total budget
€ 3,212,033
Amount of subsidy
€ 1,735,038
Project type
Demonstration project
Project coordinator
AB Inbev
Project partner
Heliovis
Start date
January 2, 2023
Total budget
€ 3,212,033
Amount of subsidy
€ 1,735,038
Project type
Demonstration project
Project coordinator
AB Inbev
Project partner
Heliovis
Start date
January 2, 2023
Total budget
€ 3,212,033
Amount of subsidy
€ 1,735,038

Emission-free solar thermal energy for steam generation

PROBLEM STATEMENT

People in Namibia, like in many other countries, enjoy drinking beer. The brewing process is largely dependent on thermal energy, which is estimated to be 70% of the total energy consumed by a brewery. The AB InBev brewery in Okahandja in Namibia relies on very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) to generate the thermal energy for the brewing process. Fuel oil is not environmentally friendly and expensive.

As Namibia is prone to lasting droughts and inconsistent rainfall patterns, solar panels are not an option. Solar panels require lots of water to keep them clean and functioning efficiently.

SOLUTION

Namibia has an average of 9,9 hours of sunlight per day. This is ideal for generating energy from solar technologies. The HELIOtube, an innovative inflatable tube-shaped collector, will generate emission-free solar thermal energy to produce steam for the brewing process in Okahandja. Unlike solar panels, which must be cleaned with water, the HELIOtube is cleaned with compressed air, making it highly suited to arid regions.

EXPECTED RESULTS

The HELIOtube will replace the use of fossil fuels with emission-free thermal solar technology, which will significantly reduce CO2 emissions. Other AB InBev breweries will also use the HELIOtube to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This technology will also be used for industrial applications which are often technically and commercially difficult to decarbonize.

Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals

Partners