Decarbonization & Beneficial Electrification
At Kinergetics we believe that effective decarbonization is the result of applying mindful energy efficiency approaches and technology.
This approach, though less conventional than switching from a gas to an electric boiler, offers a more budget-friendly and verifiable path to decarbonization.
Decarbonization focused assessments have identified opportunities to reduce emissions from 25-50% using energy efficiency methods and heat pumps first
Kinergetics is currently installing a large scale decarbonization project at Pine Lake Corn Processers, located in Iowa.
This project utilizes a semi-open cycle heat pump, allowing us to take the electrical power generated and use it to offset gas usage in the facility.
You can read more about this project on page 42 of Ethanol Producer Magazine here or in our energy blog here
Have Confidence in Your Decarbonization Efforts
Our decarbonization efforts focus on energy efficiency first, and electrification second. This means we produce verifiable carbon reduction projects. You will be able to see the carbon reduction happen with real time facility data, unlike accounting-based projects that depend on where you’re sourcing your electricity and power from.
We are so confident in our processes that we offer a 90% thermal efficiency guarantee on many of our custom design projects.
The Kinergetics Approach to Decarbonization
1
Conventional Heat Recovery
Recovering high-grade waste heat (like hot wastewater, air compressor heat, and process cooling) is the most cost-effective option with a strong return on investment. This approach also reduces energy demand in future electrification plans, lowering both operational and capital costs—possibly even eliminating the need for new substations.
2
Strategic Electrification
This step focuses on recovering low-grade waste heat to replace fossil fuels, often using a heat pump. By harnessing available waste heat, it requires much less electricity compared to an electric boiler.
These projects can lower operational costs by efficiently using electricity to reduce fuel needs. While they may not offer a strong return on investment with current fossil fuel prices, they become more economically viable when the ultimate goal is full decarbonization.
3
Electrification
In most cases, some energy needs will still require carbon-free solutions, like electric hot water heaters or steam generators. While options like biomass, biomethane, or green/blue hydrogen may be available, they tend to be more expensive to operate unless specific conditions apply.
All of these alternatives, including electric, will likely increase operational costs. Additionally, emissions may rise depending on how electricity is generated, unless there’s a rapid large-scale decarbonization of the power grid.
Using REC's (Renewable Energy Credits)
Many companies purchase unbundled renewable energy credits, or RECs. Unbundled RECs are sold separately from the electricity generated from a renewable source.
This allows facilities which do not have access to renewable energy to purchase the rights to emission free energy.
When developing a decarbonization roadmap, it is Kinergetics’ view that RECs should be used in conjunction with long term planning, strategic use of electricity, and local electrical grid decarbonization.
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Kinergetics’ custom designed waste heat recovery system installed at an ethanol plant in Wisconsin
A Real World Approach to Decarbonization
Figures 1 and 2 below show the emissions for a facility considering electric boilers to eliminate natural gas use.
The critical assumption here is that all electricity supplied is from a natural gas power plant; local electrical generation profiles must be considered to accurately assess the carbon emission impact of electrification.
Figure 1 shows the current operation, with steam generated via natural gas boilers and a cogeneration unit.
Figure 2 shows the electrified system, with replacement electric boilers. When emissions for electrical generation are included, the overall emissions increase substantially.