The potato processing sector, traditionally energy-intensive, is increasingly turning to solar energy to meet its sustainability goals and reduce operational costs. In line with customer expectations and international environmental requirements, solar energy provides a dependable, affordable, and clean substitute for fossil fuels.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are being used by potato processing facilities to power processes like freezing, frying, peeling, and washing. To efficiently use solar energy, many buildings are putting in nearby ground-mounted systems or rooftop solar arrays. In addition to producing power, solar panels also help to stabilize energy expenses in the face of shifting fossil fuel prices. Systems made especially for food processing, for example, can provide enough electricity to run energy-intensive processes, greatly lowering electricity costs and carbon emissions.

Sometimes surplus solar energy is released back into the grid or stored in battery systems, resulting in a resilient and decentralized energy infrastructure.

Additionally, solar energy is being used for thermal purposes, including heating water for potato washing and boiling or producing steam for peeling. Systems that use concentrated solar power (CSP), which direct sunlight into heat, are especially good at lowering dependency on traditional fuels. Energy efficiency is further enhanced by these technologies’ versatility and ability to reach the temperatures needed for industrial food preparation.

Despite the obvious advantages of integrating solar energy, the sector faces several difficulties. For small and medium-sized businesses, the high upfront costs of solar installations and storage systems continue to be a deterrent. It can also be difficult and expensive to convert older buildings to accept solar energy installations.

Adoption is further complicated by regionally disparate policy frameworks and regulatory obstacles. For example, the financial feasibility of projects is impacted by the wide variations in solar energy incentives. Potato processors throughout the world are finding solar energy increasingly accessible despite these obstacles due to the falling costs of solar technology and rising energy efficiency.

GEA Takes Strides Towards Eco-friendly Manufacturing at Its Sites in India

By installing and growing solar electricity at its locations in Bengaluru and Vadodara, India, GEA is making a significant step towards sustainability. This program, which aligns with GEA’s Climate Transition Plan 2040, demonstrates the company’s commitment to lowering its carbon footprint and switching to more environmentally friendly production methods. It is estimated that the solar power systems at both locations will reduce yearly CO2 emissions by around 900 metric tons.

You can read the rest of this article in your complimentary e-copy of Issue 4 of Potato Business Dossier 2024, which you can access by clicking here.