Avery Dennison: Concentrated solar thermal platform

Image: Avery Dennison

At a Glance
Who: Avery Dennison
What: Concentrated Solar Thermal platform and Thermal Storage unit
Where: Turnhout, Belgium
Why: To reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, lower energy costs, and transition to sustainable energy sources
When: Currently operational

The Challenge

In 2020, fossil fuels (mainly oil and natural gas) accounted for 71% of Belgium’s energy supply. The country has set ambitious targets, aligning with the EU’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. As part of this commitment, Belgium aims to achieve a renewable energy share of 17.5% in its gross final energy consumption by the year 2030.

In line with Belgium’s renewable energy targets, Avery Dennison has launched a project to reduce its carbon emissions and dependence on traditional energy sources while maintaining the operational needs of its Turnhout production plant.

The Solution

Avery Dennison partnered with Azteq, ENERGYNEST, and Campina Energie to create a renewable energy platform that includes a Concentrated Solar Thermal (CST) field and Thermal Storage unit. This solution significantly reduces the plant’s GHG emissions and provides sustainable energy for its operations.

How the Project Works

The CST platform, built by Azteq, concentrates energy from direct sunlight into collector tubes filled with absorption liquid, such as thermal oil. The thermal energy generated is stored in ENERGYNEST’s ThermalBattery and can be dispatched on demand as secure, green heat. The project also includes six battery modules, ensuring continuous energy supply both day and night. A Balance of Plant (BoP) system by AURA GmbH & Co. KG connects the solar field, thermal storage, and heat distribution system, enabling efficient heat shifting between heat sources and heat sinks.

The renewable energy platform covers roughly 5,540 square meters on site, and will contain the largest installation of parabolic mirrors combined with thermal energy storage in an industrial setting in Europe. In operation, the total installation will provide heat equivalent to 2.3 gigawatt-hour (GWh) of gas consumption.

The project will help provide heat to run drying ovens, which are used during the coating process of pressure-sensitive adhesive products manufactured at the site. This initiative is in line with the manufacturer’s goal to transition to renewable energy.

The Results

Avery Dennison anticipates the project to reduce its the plant’s GHG emissions by 9% annually compared to previous rates. During high-sunshine periods, it will be able to supply up to 100% of the factory’s heat demand, further reducing reliance on traditional energy sources.

Business Benefits

The use of zero-carbon solar energy will enable lower energy costs for the plant, while strengthening Avery Dennison’s commitment to sustainability and accelerating its path to net-zero by 2050.

Investment/Savings

The project received funding from various sources, including the EU’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program, the Flemish Government, and the German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.

Industry Context

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the industry sector in 2022 was directly responsible for emitting 9.0 Gt of CO2, accounting for a quarter of global energy system CO2 emissions. In order to reduce climate impact, industries are transitioning to renewable energy sources.

Research demonstrates that the global renewable energy market was valued at $881.7bn in 2020 and is projected to reach $1,977.6bn by 2030.

Avery Dennison’s initiative aligns with the broader context of the need for the industrial sector to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.

Additional Information:

Tinne Van der Straeten, Belgian Minister of Energy, praised the project, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative renewable energy sources in addressing the climate crisis and securing a sustainable future.