As the world moves toward the goals set by the Paris Agreement, industries are rethinking their strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The palm oil industry in the Philippines is no exception, facing the challenge of balancing productivity with sustainability. To meet the 2030 emission targets, the industry must focus on improving operational efficiencies, particularly through energy-efficient technologies. One key solution is enhancing the energy efficiency of palm oil industry processes by utilizing back pressure steam turbines and tapping into Combined Heat and Power (CHP) generation from biomass like Palm Kernel Shells (PKS) and Empty Fruit Bunches (EFB).
Energy Efficiency of Palm Oil Industry: A Path to Sustainability
Improving the energy efficiency of the palm oil industry is essential for reducing its environmental footprint. Palm oil processing involves various stages, from milling to refining, that consume substantial amounts of energy. By adopting more efficient technologies, such as back pressure steam turbines, the palm oil industry can significantly reduce its carbon emissions. These turbines harness steam generated from burning Palm Kernel Shells and Empty Fruit Bunches in the boiler which are wastes created during the process and convert it into electricity that powers the plant, and supply steam to the plant at the same time thus reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This not only cuts emissions but also lowers operational costs, making the industry more sustainable in the long term.
Combined Heat and Power (CHP) from Biomass: A Renewable Energy Source
Another critical aspect of the roadmap to reduce emissions in the palm oil industry is the use of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system fuelled by biomass, such as Palm Kernel Shells (PKS) and Empty Fruit Bunches (EFB). These by-products of palm oil production process are typically treated as waste but can instead be used to generate both heat and electricity. CHP systems allow mills to use these biomass materials to produce energy, further enhancing efficiency and reducing the need for external power sources. This not only maximizes resource utilization but also ensures that waste products contribute to a circular, low-carbon economy.
Back Pressure Steam Turbines: Optimizing Energy Recovery
Back pressure steam turbines are pivotal in achieving energy efficiency in the palm oil industry. These turbines operate by utilising high / medium pressure steam being dropped in the Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs) from the process boiler, which is first used to generate electricity for the facility. Since power becomes one more by-product of the production process, utilizing it for process reduces energy demand from the Utility Grid and helps mills become more self-reliant. The adoption of back pressure steam turbines, combined with CHP from biomass, forms a comprehensive strategy to lower emissions in the palm oil industry, improve energy efficiency, and contribute to the 2030 targets set by the Paris Agreement.
In conclusion, the roadmap to reducing emissions in the palm oil industry in the Philippines by 2030 hinges on improving energy efficiency and making full use of available resources. By integrating back pressure steam turbines and CHP systems powered by biomass like PKS and EFB, the industry can cut emissions while maintaining high levels of productivity. These technologies not only help the palm oil sector meet international climate goals but also create a more resilient and sustainable future for the industry.
Turtle Turbines, with a very good experience in supplying such steam turbines for palm oil processing industry, offers a wide range of steam turbines that are designed to meet the needs of the industry. The products are designed to be highly efficient and reliable.
Turtle Turbines is one of the most reputed steam turbine manufacturers from India for power generation, suitable for operation on the saturated and superheated steam boilers operating in various industries. Based in India, the company focuses on providing sustainable solutions for power generation and configurations to meet the needs of different applications. For more information please visit on www.turtleturbines.com