Solar-Powered Pasteurization: A Sustainable Solution for the Dairy Industry

Pasteurization is the cornerstone of dairy safety, a vital process that ensures milk and dairy products are free from harmful pathogens. But traditional pasteurization methods, heavily reliant on fossil fuels, pose a significant environmental and economic challenge for the industry.

India stands as the world's largest milk producer, contributing over 22% of global production.

This massive industry plays a vital role in the nation's economy and food security. However, the energy-intensive nature of dairy processing, particularly pasteurization, poses significant environmental and financial challenges.

The Energy Appetite of India's Dairy Industry

To effectively eliminate harmful bacteria, milk must be heated to specific temperatures for defined periods.

The most common method, High-Temperature Short-Time (HTST) pasteurization, involves heating milk to 72°C (161°F) for 15 seconds. This process demands a substantial energy input, primarily derived from natural gas or electricity generated from fossil fuels.

According to a report by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), the Indian dairy sector's energy consumption is expected to reach a staggering 26 billion kWh by 2030. A significant portion of this energy demand stems from heat-intensive processes like pasteurization.

The Carbon Cost of Conventional Pasteurization

According to a study published in the Journal of Cleaner Production, the dairy sector accounts for approximately 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions. A considerable portion of these emissions stems from energy-intensive processes like pasteurization.

A study conducted by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) estimated that the Indian dairy sector's carbon footprint could reach 142 million tons of CO₂ equivalent by 2030 if current energy consumption trends continue. This underscores the urgent need for sustainable alternatives to decarbonize the dairy industry.

The Solar Advantage: A Mathematical Case for India

Let's visit the case study of a typical Indian dairy plant processing 50,000 liters of milk per day. To understand the true potential of solar thermal pasteurization, we'll break down the numbers and assumptions involved:

Energy Consumption for Pasteurization:

• Electricity Consumption: The assumption of 1.2 kWh per liter of milk for pasteurization aligns with industry averages. However, this can vary depending on factors like the type of pasteurizer, milk composition, and ambient temperature.
• Daily Electricity Consumption: With 50,000 liters processed daily, the total electricity consumption for pasteurization is 50,000 liters * 1.2 kWh/liter = 60,000 kWh.
• Annual Electricity Consumption: Assuming the plant operates 300 days a year, the annual electricity consumption is 60,000 kWh/day * 300 days/year = 18 million kWh.

Solar Thermal System:

• Solar Share: The assumption of a solar thermal system providing 60% of the heat required for pasteurization is feasible with well-designed systems. However, this can be optimized based on the plant's location, solar resource availability, and system design.
• Annual Electricity Reduction: With a 60% solar share, the annual electricity reduction is 18 million kWh * 60% = 10.8 million kWh.

Environmental Impact:

• Coal Savings: To calculate coal savings, we need to know the emission factor for electricity generation from coal. The average emission factor in India is around 0.8 kg CO₂/kWh. Therefore, the annual CO₂ emissions avoided by using solar thermal are 10.8 million kWh * 0.8 kg CO₂/kWh = 8,640 tons of CO₂.
• Coal Equivalent: To convert CO₂ emissions avoided into coal equivalent, we need to consider the carbon content of coal. Assuming a carbon content of 60%, the amount of coal saved annually is approximately 8,640 tons of CO₂ / (0.6 * 2.20462 lb/kg) = 6,520 tons of coal.

Financial Implications:

• Electricity Tariff: The average industrial electricity tariff of ₹8 per kWh is a reasonable assumption. However, tariffs can vary significantly based on location, consumption patterns, and government policies.
• Annual Cost Savings: With an electricity reduction of 10.8 million kWh and a tariff of ₹8/kWh, the annual cost savings would be 10.8 million kWh * ₹8/kWh = ₹86.4 million or ₹8.64 crore.

Overcoming Challenges -

While solar thermal technology presents a promising avenue for India's dairy industry, several challenges need to be addressed to accelerate its widespread adoption. These include:

• Initial investment costs: Solar thermal systems can be expensive to install, requiring substantial upfront capital.
• Space constraints: Many dairy plants, particularly in urban areas, may have limited roof space or land available for solar installations.
• Technical expertise: Designing and integrating solar thermal systems with existing dairy infrastructure requires specialized knowledge and skills.

How CLIMATENZA Solar is tackling these challenges?

To overcome these barriers, CLIMATENZA Solar is deeply investing to make Initial investment as low as possible thanks to mass-manufacturing approach with our partners Absolicon Solar Collector AB

Our T160 Parabolic Trough Solar thermal technology is designed to be highly-efficient (76.6% Optical Efficiency), comparatively lower space requirement (can be placed on roof-top, On-ground and on-parking lots) and lower cost, thanks to our mass-manufacturing approach and local supply chains being developed here.

A Brighter Future for India's Dairy Industry

Solar thermal pasteurization represents a transformative opportunity for India's dairy industry. By embracing this sustainable technology, dairy processors can reduce their environmental footprint, lower energy costs, and contribute to India's renewable energy goals.

With concerted efforts of CLIMATENZA Solar , we are making solar-powered pasteurization a new normal in India, ensuring a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous future for the dairy sector.

For more information, please connect with us at contact@climatenza.in