June 2021

36 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk June 2021 Energy & Environmental Management Focus on: Boilers, Burners & Controls Bridging the gap to greener steam technology A ttitudes toward sustainability in the UK engineering industry are rapidly changing post-pandemic. Among pressing climate commitments, many are considering adopting greener steam boiler solutions, but logistical issues, straitened post- pandemic budgets and surges in demand have rendered integrating new equipment difficult. Steam is a vital process to the UK engineering and manufacturing industry. Its uses range from simple ones, such as sterilisation or moving liquids and gases through pipes, to more complex ones, like atomisation and humidification. In some shape or form, steam can likely be found within almost every process across the nation’s manufacturing industry, and its importance as a power source and utility only continues to grow. At present, steam power is directly responsible for as much as 35% of the manufacturing industry’s heat demand, which in turn makes up 73% of the sector’s total energy needs. While these figures are already staggering, the nation’s appetite for power only continues to increase. Between 2014 and 2019, energy bills for UK manufacturers rose by 37%, and show no signs of slowing down in the near future. With steam’s importance to the manufacturing field already substantial and energy demand on the rise, it is clear that increasing the efficiency of steam boiler solutions will be critical if the Government’s 2050 net zero targets are to be taken seriously. UK manufacturers are looking to go green The UK manufacturing sector is one that has historically struggled with rising costs and legislative pressures to upgrade ageing equipment. However, with newer, more efficient steam boilers able to yield immediate energy savings of 10% and upwards, it is clear that investing in this technology will be a key factor in aiding industry’s recovery while falling in line with climate commitments. Fortunately, attitudes towards adopting green technology are changing. A recent survey conducted by Aggreko of over 200 public and private sector businesses discovered that 68% of respondents were in favour of investing in sustainable equipment alternatives post- pandemic. Primarily, this is due to the need to accelerate recovery with by kick-starting investment, with ‘competitiveness’, ‘rising energy bills’ and ‘rise in demand’ cited as the three most popular reasons for doing so. Hurdles to adopting new steam technology The clear enthusiasm for moving towards greener technology is a heartening sign, particularly with the UK’s net zero targets in mind. However, with the pandemic creating new challenges to adopting steam technology while exacerbating those that existed beforehand, it is clear that the nation will continue to lag behind its emissions-lowering goals until the transition to new solutions is made more accessible. Matt Watson* explores potential solutions as to how organisations might mitigate current demand and bridge the gap between old technology and new.