Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energies in high-density polyethylene manufacturing
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- This master's thesis, conducted in collaboration with TotalEnergies, addresses the challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the industrial sector, specifically focusing on High-Density Polyethylene production lines and their reliance on natural gas. This study first examines weather data for three production sites to understand climatic impacts on renewable energy efficiency. It then explores various renewable technologies such as wind turbines, photovoltaic panels, Battery Energy Storage Systems, heat pumps, and electric boilers, evaluating their technical and financial feasibility. Furthermore, this study evaluates the technical and financial viability of various configurations to meet electricity and steam requirements while minimizing emissions. A maximum reduction of 75% in emissions can be achieved through a combined system of wind turbines, PV panels, and BESSs when considering only electricity requirements. In contrast, integrating both a heat pump and an electric boiler can lead to a 100% reduction in emissions when addressing both electricity and steam needs. The findings highlight the significance of geographic climatic variations and financial considerations in determining the feasibility and optimal configurations for sustainable energy solutions, revealing that the production line in Antwerp faces higher costs and lower renewable potential compared to those in Houston and Jubail.