Tag Archive for: Sustainable Innovation

Innovation for a sustainable future

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“Only through innovation will it be possible to reduce CO2, improve energy efficiency and alleviate pressure on natural resources.”

María Teresa Costa i Campi, Professor of Applied Economics at the University of Barcelona.

In this world where climate change and environmental degradation are critical issues, technological innovation must take on a leading role in sustainable development. Without the convergence between technology and sustainability, it won’t be possible to tackle the environmental and social challenges of the current climate crisis.

The role of technology in society

Technology has always been a driving force in human progress, transforming the economy and helping to improve the standards of life. However, this progress has entailed significant environmental impacts: from air and water pollution to unsustainable exploitation of natural resources. The flip of the coin is that technological innovation has been part of the problem and must become an essential part of the solution.

Technology has to foster more sustainable practices, namely: the development of clean energy, the creation of more efficient products or the implementation of less polluting practices. Innovation is at the core of this strategy, searching for new ways of meeting the needs of today’s society without compromising the health of the planet.

Sustainable fuels: the backbone of the energy future

The transition to sustainable fuels is one of the pivotal elements in the fight against climate change because, although great progress is being made in the field of renewable energies, it is not possible to fully electrify all sectors. It is therefore essential to explore and develop sustainable fuel alternatives which can reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Hydrobiodiesel, or HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), is one of these alternatives. It is produced from vegetable oils and animal fats and, unlike conventional biodiesel, it is obtained through a hydrogenation process, resulting in a cleaner fuel with better combustion properties. HVO significantly reduces CO2, NOx and particulate emissions compared to fossil diesel, and is compatible with existing distribution infrastructure and current diesel engines. In addition, HVO has a similar energy density to conventional diesel, making it a practical and efficient option for transport and other energy applications.

On the other hand, within gaseous-fuels sector, Hydrogen (H2) holds another great promise. When used in fuel cells, this gas can produce electricity with water as the only by-product, making it a zero-emission solution. In addition, it is also possible to produce hydrogen in a sustainable way by electrolysis of water using renewable energy. If this is the case, no CO2 emissions are produced, and the product obtained is known as “green hydrogen”. The adoption of hydrogen as a fuel can significantly contribute to the decarbonisation of sectors which are difficult to electrify, such as heavy transport, aviation and industry.

Also Biogas, which is a mixture of gases produced by the decomposition of organic matter in the absence of oxygen. This gas is mainly composed of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2); and its production from agricultural residues, manure, organic waste and wastewater not only provides a renewable energy source, but also helps to make waste management more efficient. Biogas can be purified to obtain biomethane, which has similar properties to natural gas and can be used in the existing gas grid.

Energy efficiency: advanced management systems

To maximise the benefits of any energy source, whether renewable or non-renewable, it is crucial to implement advanced energy-management systems. These systems make it possible to monitor, control and optimise energy use in different sectors. Improving efficiency and reducing consumption leads to reduced emissions.

There are a number of ways to improve the efficiency of energy systems, including the application of management algorithms. These allow energy production and consumption to be dynamically adjusted according to supply and demand. E.g. In solar or wind farms, such algorithms can forecast energy availability and adapt production accordingly, optimising performance.

In the current context, where the aim is to insert renewable energies into the electricity grid, the combination of management algorithms & energy storage systems is truly relevant. This type of energy being intermittent by nature prevents any kind of control over its availability but storage systems, such as batteries, can capture excess energy when it is available and release it when needed. Unfortunately, batteries cannot manage it efficiently on their own. Management algorithms allow them to streamline storage and optimise its operation based not only on energy demand, but also on system conditions.

Also, one of the pillars of the energy transition is the rise of micro-grids and smart grids, where various distributed energy sources, small-scale storage systems and consumer sources are integrated. Although it is not easy to manage all these elements in an efficient and coordinated manner, advances in control algorithms facilitate this task, making it possible to improve the stability and reliability of grids.

AI: Sustainability engine

Artificial Intelligence is transforming our approach to environmental challenges by offering innovative and efficient solutions to reduce the environmental impact of industrial operations. Its application to predictive maintenance extends the lifetime of equipment, reduces waste and optimises resource consumption.

Predictive maintenance consists of supervising the operation of equipment using real-time monitoring techniques, data analysis and AI to detect problems before they occur. It guarantees that the necessary actions are taken when they are needed, reducing labour & parts costs and downtime as well as increasing operator availability.

Firstly, there is a reduction in emissions generated by transport during maintenance by minimising unnecessary servicing and thus the number of trips operators have to make. In addition, significant energy savings are achieved by keeping equipment in optimal working condition, avoiding the excessive consumption that is often caused by faulty or poorly maintained equipment.

Another key point is the optimisation of the materials’ costs. Identifying and correcting potential faults before they become major problems, make repairs simpler and less costly. E.g. Detecting a faulty engine-oil filter and replacing it is a simple and inexpensive task that, if not addressed in time, can lead to engine overheating and more serious and costly repairs.

Finally, predictive maintenance contributes significantly to reducing the amount of waste generated. Prolonging the lifetime of equipment and avoiding catastrophic failures that might require complete replacements reduces the amount of waste produced, promoting more sustainable and responsible resource management.

Genesal Energy: committed to sustainable innovation

Genesal Energy firmly believes that technology and innovation play a pivotal role in the energy transition towards a more sustainable future. We participate, often in collaboration with various public and private institutions, in the development of new technologies that help fight climate change. Not only are we committed to efficiency in all our products, but we are also constantly working to improve distributed generation systems so that they can operate with sustainable fuels. E.g. Our HVO, hydrogen and biogas projects or OGGY, our own intelligent energy storage and management system which allows us to optimise all our energy flows, both generation and consumption.

We are also willing to innovate in our own production processes. This is why we integrate sustainable practices at the heart of our operations through initiatives such as the installation of a photovoltaic façade or the reuse of energy in our premises. 

We are proof that is possible to balance economic growth and environmental sustainability. Leading the way towards a greener and more responsible energy future.

What is the carbon border adjustment mechanism and why is it so controversial?

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  • The EU proposes to apply a tariff on imported carbon-intensive products.

  • The measure (CBAM) will be implemented in two phases, will come into force in 2026 and will initially apply to imports in sectors such as cement, hydrogen and electricity.

As part of the fight against climate change, the European Union (EU) has launched what it considers to be one of the key instruments within the European Green Pact: The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, also known as CBAM. It is an essential part of the “Fit for 55” measures package, a set of proposals to revise and update EU legislation to ensure that the EU’s intermediate target of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 55% by 2030 is met.

This proposal has already been described as “bold, complicated and controversial” and several countries have already expressed concerns about its implementation. The measure will undoubtedly disrupt trade relations between the EU and its partners, but let’s look at exactly what it is.

The CBAM is intended to be implemented in parallel to the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) to counter the so-called ‘carbon-leakage’. Based on the “cap-and-trade” principle, the ETS sets a price on carbon and, each year, industries covered by the ETS must buy allowances corresponding to their GHG emissions. These allowances are limited, and each year the limit is lowered with the aim of creating financial incentives for companies to reduce their emissions.

Risk of carbon-leakage

The issue is that this could lead to what is known as carbon leakage: although some companies, which production processes are high in GHG emissions, are allocated free allowances to support their competitiveness, these will be progressively phased out, raising the risk that they may consider moving their production to other countries outside the EU in order to avoid the increased costs associated with the ETS, importing products at a more advantageous price to the detriment of the environment.  

This is where the CBAM applies. This is a tariff on carbon-intensive products imported to the EU to balance by equalising the carbon price of imports with the carbon price of EU products. The phasing out of the free allocation of allowances under the ETS will take place in parallel with the introduction of the CBAM mechanism, ensuring coherence between climate objectives and trade policy.

The CBAM will be implemented in two phases, so that before the entry into operation of the final version, there will be a transitional period with the following objectives:

  • To serve as a learning curve for importers, producers and the authorities involved.
  • To allow the collection of info
     rmation on GHG emissions to help refine the methodologies for calculating these emissions.
  • Align the price of carbon produced in the EU with that of imported goods.

This first transitional period will run from 1 October 2023 to 31 December 2025, and initially applies only to imports from the sectors most at risk of carbon leakage: cement, iron/steel, aluminium, hydrogen, fertilisers and electricity (although it has already been agreed that this will be extended to more products, such as chemicals and polymers). The specific goods that are affected by CBAM are detailed in Annexes I and II of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1773, where the CN codes for all affected materials are listed.

In addition, the obligations arising from the importation of these goods are also set out:

  1. Register in the transitional CBAM Register, which allows communication between all parties to the mechanism (European Commission, competent and customs authorities, traders and reporting companies).
  2. Submit CBAM reports on a quarterly basis. Importers of goods (or their indirect customs representatives) are responsible for reporting the GHG emissions implicit in their imports. The report must be submitted no later than one month after the end of the quarter, and emissions calculations can be made in 3 ways:
    1. Using default reference values published by the European Commission. This method can only be used to report 100% of the implied emissions until July 2024; it can be used for the remaining transitional period to report up to 20% of the implied emissions.
    2. Using an equivalent methodology that considers either a carbon pricing system, a mandatory emissions monitoring system, or a monitoring system that may include verification by an accredited third party (always where the installation is located). This method may be used for imports until December 2024.
    3. Using the new methodology provided by the EU. It may be applied throughout the transitional period.

No payment or financial adjustment will be required during this first phase.

Once the mechanism fully enters into force on 1 January 2026, importers will be obliged to purchase the corresponding CBAM certificates. It should be noted that this mechanism is not a tax to be paid on import, but that the purchase of the certificates must be acquired prior to the importation of the products subject to CBAM. If the importer can prove that a carbon price has already been paid during the production of the imported goods, this amount can be deducted from the corresponding amount to be redeemed at CBAM.

Subsequently, by 31 May each year at the latest, the importer or his representative must submit an annual report, stating the goods imported in the previous calendar year and their corresponding emissions, as well as the number of CBAM certificates purchased for that year.

Antía Míguez, Technologist at Genesal Energy

Is HVO this the fuel of the future?

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Hydrogenated vegetable oil is making its way into the market due to its numerous properties and is one of the paths towards the energy transition.

Electricity is by no means the main form of energy used, nor is it easy to bring electrification to all sectors, and although it is true that the advance of renewable sources is remarkable, these days 80% of the world’s primary energy demand is still based on fossil fuels. An issue, not only because of the high levels of emissions and their consequences on climate change, but also because of the finite nature of these fuels.

Genesal Energy is very aware that it is urgent to find new sustainable fuels for those sectors where electrification is not going to happen overnight. HVO enters the scene, which in recent years has been positioning itself as one of the main alternatives to diesel. We give you all the keys to this new fuel.

What is HVO?

Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is a second-generation biofuel. Although it has the words “vegetable oil” in its name, it can be produced from a variety of vegetable and non-vegetable sources:

  • Used vegetable cooking oil (UCO, Used Cooking Oil).
  • Waste animal fat.
  • Tall oil, a by-product of wood pulp manufacture.
  • Non-food grade vegetable oils (rapeseed, soybean and palm).

On their own, these oils are not effective fuels. However, through a process known as hydrotreating, it is possible to convert the fats in these oils into hydrocarbons almost identical to conventional diesel.

Is it the same as biodiesel?

No, biodiesel and HVO are different fuels. While both are based on triglycerides from vegetable oils and animal fats, biodiesel is made by esterification: the oily source is treated with an alcohol, usually methanol, and a catalyst. This produces glycerine and a fuel made from fatty acid methyl esters or FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester).

On the other hand, to obtain HVO, the oils are subjected to a hydrotreating process. Simply put, hydrogen is used to remove oxygen from the oil at high temperatures, splitting the fat molecules into separate chains of hydrocarbon molecules. The result is a stable fuel comparable to fossil diesel in both form and performance, making HVO superior to biodiesel as an alternative to fossil fuel.

What are the advantages of using HVO?

They include the following:

 

 

  • -If waste oils are used as source, and produced relatively locally, the use of HVO can result in a reduction of CO2e emissions by up to 90%.
  • When burning HVO, emissions of carbon monoxide (COx) and other polluting particles are lower.
  • Its service life is long: up to ten times longer than diesel.
  • Its performance is maintained even at extreme temperatures (-30°C).
  • It has good chemical characteristics. It is aromatic, low density, with a very high cetane number and no sulphur. In addition, its calorific value, and therefore its energy content, is higher than that of biodiesel.
  • Unlike biodiesel, which needs to be blended with conventional diesel to work properly, HVO is a direct fuel, which can be completely replaced in most diesel units.
  • Also in comparison, biodiesel is prone to degradation and needs very specific planning for storage. Only a single oil tank is needed to store HVO. In fact, conventional diesel tanks can be filled with HVO, and vice versa, so that if, for example, we are running on HVO, but it runs out and it is impossible to procure it quickly enough, we can switch back to diesel.

Different brands in the combustion engines and distributed energy worlds have already started to echo the benefits of HVO, certifying that their products are compatible with this biofuel.

For example, several companies have declared that all their Euro 5 and Euro 6 engines are compatible with the use of HVO.

Is HVO sustainable?

Speaking of sustainability we must pay attention not only to its properties, but also to its entire value chain. Are the source and production relatively local? Regarding the origin of the source, are only waste oils used, or do they also include, for example, oil crops? Have changes in land use been necessary to make such crops available? If we look at the whole picture, to speak of a 100% HVO we need to be sure that it is produced from a source derived from real waste and that environmental and social criteria are respected along the whole value chain.

And another question arises: If we have available an HVO that we know is not 100% sustainable… Is it better to use it or to continue using fossil diesel? Do we look for an alternative, such as another type of biofuel or even a synthetic fuel? These are difficult questions to answer that depend on many factors.

The Greenesal Scale

In order to facilitate decision making on the choice and use of fuels, Genesal Energy has created the “Greenesal Sustainability Assessment Scale for Fuels”.

It is a tool that will allow us to evaluate the sustainability of fuels, so that it is not only easier to choose between the different options available, but it will also provide a clear idea of the real impact of each one of them.  In addition, the tool will fairly weight factors related to the three spheres of the sustainable development:

  • Environmental sphere: raw material origin, GHG emissions, soil organic carbon, eutrophication, acidification, energy balance, biodiversity.
  • Economic sphere: capital costs, operational costs.
  • Social sphere: land rights, issues related to working conditions, relationship with local communities.

In this way, not only will it be possible to distinguish between different types of fuel, but it will also be possible to know which has a greater positive impact on the search for a sustainable future.

 

Sustainability. What it really is?

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Over the last few years, the terms sustainability and sustainable development have been on everyone’s lips. Sustainable vehicles, sustainable fuels, sustainable fashion, sustainable food products… but do you really know what these concepts mean?

What is sustainability?

The concept of sustainable development was first recorded 36 years ago, with the publication in 1987 of the Brundtland Report for the United Nations, entitled “Our Common Future”. It warned of the negative environmental consequences of excessive industrialisation, economic development and globalisation, and proposed sustainability strategies centred around 3 main strategic lines:

  • Quality and sustainable economic growth to alleviate poverty.
  • Improving the quality of this economic growth, addressing issues such as energy supply, food security and the preservation of ecosystems.
  • Care for the environment, which should become a fundamental element in the decision-making process of institutions, organisations and companies.

In addition, the report focused for the first time on social, economic and environmental issues and how they relate to each other. It also clearly defined what is meant by sustainable development: “Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.

The 3 pillars of sustainable development

Sustainability is still understood in the same way today, with the emphasis still being placed on the need to find an integrated balance between the social, environmental and economic spheres to speak of truly sustainable development:

Social justice.

It seeks the well-being of all people and communities. We all need to have our basic needs covered: jobs, healthcare, food and energy security, water supply or access to good education, among others. Furthermore, these issues must be addressed in a way that considers and respects the cultural and social diversity of each community and ensures that there are no situations of injustice or discrimination of any kind, promoting the role of all members of society in determining their future.

Economic viability.

It pursues a new business model that generates wealth in a sustainable way. The productive system must satisfy social needs while ensuring that neither natural resources nor the well-being of future generations is put at risk. In other words, the economic approach must integrate the needs of the population and environmental limits to promote responsible balance in the long term.

Environmental protection.

In order to find a model that allows us to exploit resources without depleting them, contributing to their recovery for future use, and to make progress in the fight against climate change, it is necessary to apply environmental protection measures that, at the same time, consider the needs of the population and the economic means available where they are to be applied.

How to achieve sustainability? The 2030 Agenda

Once the concept of sustainability was defined, the next challenge was to figure out how to achieve it. The concept needed to be crystallised into concrete policies that would provide a stable framework for action; this led to the emergence of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Agenda was adopted in September 2015 by the 193 UN Member States as an ambitious roadmap to achieve sustainable development by 2030 by ending poverty, protecting the planet and improving the lives and prospects of people around the world. It is composed of 17 SDGs, which are further subdivided into 169 targets and 232 indicators.

This is not the first initiative in favour of sustainable development; in fact, the SDGs are a continuation of the UN’s Millennium Development Goals (2000-2015), which at the time constituted the first international confluence to tackle global problems. While it is true that not all the targets set by the MDGs were met, there were important advances that were extended through the 2030 Agenda, such as the realisation of the need to work collaboratively. Only through partnerships and the active involvement of people, companies, administrations and countries around the world will it be possible to achieve the SDGs.

In terms of its central axes, the 2030 Agenda is built around what are already known as the 5Ps:

1- People

End poverty in all its forms and ensure that all people can fulfil their potential with dignity and equality in a healthy environment.

2- Planet

Protect the planet’s natural resources through sustainable consumption, production and management, and combat climate change, to ensure a decent environment for future generations.

3- Prosperity

To ensure that everyone can enjoy a prosperous and fulfilling life, and that economic, social and technological progress occurs in harmony with nature.

4- Peace

Foster peaceful, just and inclusive societies free from fear and violence.

5- Participation

Implement the Agenda through strong global partnerships, based on solidarity and focused on the needs of the most vulnerable.

Energy Transition: the importance of distributed energy networks and generator sets.

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Energy is one of the main axes on which economic and social activities rest.

During the last decades, the energy demand has steadily increased and, according to the International Energy Agency IEA, it will have increased more than a 30 percent by 2040. These days, the decarbonisation of the economy is boosting its electrification. This means that every sector of activity is contributing to an increase in the electricity consumption.

Energy Transition

This process is taking place in an environment where climate change and its consequences are being fought and the sustainable development goals and life quality standards are paramount. A complete sector transformation is needed, where all agents involved in the electricity system shall evolve through the so-called Energy Transition. This means moving from the traditional model of electricity generation, heavily centralised and based on fossil fuels, to a new decarbonised model based on renewable sources of energy where distributed generation prevails.

Microgrids

In this new context, Microgrids stand out as feasible, reliable and affordable solutions.

They consist of two-direction hybrid generation systems which allow electricity distribution from the suppliers to the end consumers using digital technology and favouring the integration of renewable sources of generation. They are normally equipped with control systems that foresee consumptions and work-cycles of their elements and fitted with energy storage elements that make up for the energy demands. They optimise the operation of every element of the microgrid eliminating weak points.

Nevertheless, even increasing the number of operating microgrids, we need to be aware that a completely renewable energy origin power supply is not credible.

We do not have the capability to supply the 100% of the power demand only with clean energies. Not to mention that not every location has access to them. Another problem is their availability. Renewable power generation, conversely to fossil fuel power generation, is not adjustable to the demand so production and demand figures won’t necessarily match. The only way to solve this is energy storage, but it still has its limitations when it needs to be performed at big scale.

Generator sets, the optimal solution

This is why the global short- & medium-term tendency is to combine fossil and renewable energy trying to avoid the weaknesses of both and the dependence of fossil fuels.

Here is where generator sets reveal themselves as an optimal solution providing safety and stability to the systems, fulfilling the energy demands.

Integrating generator sets in the electrical mix provides a solid solution to the instability of the renewable energies. Not depending on environmental conditions for its operation means a higher reliability and ensures power availability.

Another strength of generator sets is that its functioning can be meticulously planned via intelligent management systems which allow programming of operation periods depending on different criteria like time, load, etc… Better efficiency, less costs. They can also operate as a storage alternative, giving a fast response in the event of load variations. Last but not least, they prove a very interesting energy-supplying alternative for places where the conventional grid does not reach like remote rural areas or islands.

Summarizing, generator sets might have a key role in the forthcoming years, backing up the electricity system transformation providing network reliability, safety and efficiency.

What is Greenesal?

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The scientific evidence for climate change is overwhelming; it is a global issue which unfortunately cannot be effectively addressed without the cooperation of all. On the road to sustainability individual initiatives matter, but they can only become reality if they are put into practice.

This is what Greenesal is all about: making our commitment a reality by implementing an action plan based on the knowledge, responsibility and experience accumulated by Genesal Energy during our almost 30 years in the energy industry.

It is now time to take another step on our crusade for sustainability and energy transition; it is time to act. For us this action takes the form of specific initiatives which will be implemented in the short, medium or long term. Greenesal is at the centre of this thoughtful, well-planned and ambitious programme which we have launched in order to instigate real change.

In a way, Greenesal is the heart of Genesal Energy, and it is sustained by two principal arteries: the Energy Transition Plan and the Faculty of Energy Transition, created in collaboration with the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC). Both are strongly focused on R&D&I, because knowledge is the engine that allows us to develop and implement sustainable solutions for high-quality energy projects.

Although they are focused on different areas – industry and education, respectively – the Energy Transition Plan and the Faculty have the same goals: to promote clean energy, encourage the use of renewable energy sources and reduce the carbon footprints of the company, our clients and society in general. However, we are aware that achieving zero emissions is no easy task.

Genesal Energy’s Energy Transition Plan: What does it involve?

Genesal Energy’s Energy Transition Plan  is a set of measures and actions aimed at increasing the energy efficiency of all of our projects at both national and international level, with the goal of helping distributed energy and generator sets become increasingly respectful of both people and the environment. The Energy Transition Plan is already up and running in the form of a series of proposals and projects focused on modifying processes at the corporate, production and industry levels. The philosophy of the plan is simple: do more to impact less. The following are some of its core features:

1- Go all out on green hydrogen

We are committed to the Hydrogenset concept, which encompasses all energy generation solutions which use hydrogen in any form or state as a fuel.

Hydrogen is the simplest and lightest element in the periodic table, abundant on Earth and throughout the universe. It is the new ‘green gold’ and represents the future of energy; the use of hydrogen as a fuel opens up new possibilities for sustainable, zero-impact energy generation.

2- We support the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

We are committed to the 2030 Agenda, approved by the United Nations in 2015, which lays out the priority goals that we as a society must meet in order to ensure the sustainability of our planet and a better future for humanity. The Agenda is designed for governments and institutions as well as public and private companies and is intended to promote economic growth, encourage action against climate change and protect the environment, with a focus on fairness and inclusivity for all. It includes 17 SDGs and 169 targets which the international community as a whole need to work together to achieve.

We are committed to 12 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and are taking concrete action to meet each one.

3- Obtain certification to reflect our progress

We have obtained the official government Carbon Footprint Calculation Seal as a reflection of our commitment to SDG 13 (Climate Action) and are certified in Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001), which has helped us systematically improve how we manage the aspects of our activities that affect the environment.

4- More sustainable and efficient solutions

We implement sustainable and efficient solutions in our product manufacturing processes.

5- 5- Fulfil our obligations. We lead by example in reducing our footprint.

Less petrol: we have reduced the fuel consumption of our vehicle fleet by 16%: fuel consumption decreased from 2377.75 litres of fossil fuels consumed per million euros invoiced in 2019, to 2005.4 l/M€ in 2021; this represents a 16% drop in fuel consumption. The cleanest energy is energy saved.

6- Reduce waste

We have reduced our paper and cardboard waste by 96%, plastic waste by 94% and scrap by 85%.

7- We have the first building-integrated photovoltaic facade in Galicia

A total of 126 photovoltaic panels cover the roof of Genesal Energy’s headquarters in Bergondo (A Coruña). Delivering 57.33kW of power, they will reduce our emissions of CO2 into the atmosphere by over 20 tonnes per year. The project is part of the first phase of our OGGY energy management project.

USC-Genesal Energy Faculty of Energy Transition

This collaboration between industry and academia is an exciting project devised by us. USC-Genesal Energy Faculty of Energy Transition was inaugurated at the beginning of 2022.

Research, support for teaching and the diffusion of knowledge related to the field of energy transition, particularly in areas concerned with distributed energy systems, are the principal goals of the faculty. It will also:

  • Promote the development of R&D&I projects and seek to boost participation in these.
  • Develop distributed energy grid systems based on zero-emission fuels and promote activities which stimulate discourse and debate in the field of energy transition.
  • Promote collaboration between public bodies and private enterprise.
  • Promote ideas competitions and the creation of awards for projects and undergraduate and master’s degree theses.
  • Create student internships at Genesal Energy, with and without university credit.
  • Organise specialisation courses, conferences, seminars, meetings with experts, and visits to organisations, companies and institutions related to the faculty’s mission.
  • Support USC graduates in their search for employment by participating in faculty activities where appropriate.

Through our dedication to the twin pillars of research and education we are demonstrating our conviction that building a fairer world is possible, by taking concrete action such as reducing our carbon footprint and committing to renewable energy sources. At Genesal Energy we dream big because we are optimists.

New photovoltaic roof

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We cannot put an end to the CO2 emissions of the entire planet, but we can do everything we can to limit emissions in our facilities. We have installed 126 photovoltaic panels on the roof of our headquarters in Bergondo, A Coruña.

The work is part of the first phase of our OGGY energy management project, and during phase 2 we will continue with the installation of photovoltaic facades. With a total power rating of 57.33kW, the 126 panels are key to our sustainability efforts: they will reduce our CO2 emissions by more than 20 tonnes per year.

Integration with the OGGY system is through MODBUS communication, which is essential in order for the system to be able to properly manage both the generation and consumption points and use the battery storage module to ensure a highly efficient energy supply to all our facilities.

We would like to thank Avanza for processing the subsidies, installing the panels and launching the system. We are making steady progress with our energy transition plan, little by little and step by step.

Installation of photovoltaic façades at our facilities

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In keeping with our commitment to sustainability and the goals laid out in the 2030 Agenda, we have begun installation of two photovoltaic facades at our headquarters in Bergondo. The project will stimulate innovation and will have a contribute directly to our pursuit of 6 of the 17 SDGs.

The initiative is part of the OGGY project, our roadmap to energy self-sufficiency. This ambitious project consists of 93 photovoltaic glass panels with eight different modulations to match the facades’ design. The total power rating will be 13.1 kW, allowing us to generate 11,000 kWh per year. The benefits of the new facades are clear:

  • The project will result in an increase in energy efficiency of up to 30%.
  • The facades will help us become energy self-sufficient, in line with EU goals; for years European legislation has sought to encourage self-consumption and the use of renewable energy.
  • Photovoltaic façades reduce cooling requirements by up to 50% compared to standard façades, which means less need for air conditioning in buildings.
  • The building-integrated photovoltaics we have chosen are ideal for increasing the comfort of workers and visitors, as they filter harmful solar radiation without obstructing the passage of natural light.
  • The facade will enable us to reduce our GHG emissions and thus our corporate carbon footprint.

Implementation of the OGGY energy management system

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We recently launched OGGY (Off-Grid Genesal energY), our company energy management system. When put into operation in conjunction with certain other systems currently in development, it will open the door to Genesal becoming energy self-sufficient.

OGGY is an energy management system which uses a control algorithm to allow us to store energy from different sources in an array of storage systems for later use, opening up the possibility of becoming independent from the grid supply. It also allows us to monitor in real time both the energy production and the demand of the factory itself as well as our offices, air conditioning system and electric vehicle chargers, among others, enabling us to adjust our energy mix to ensure an optimal balance at all times.

The most important component of the system is the energy management algorithm, which allows us to monitor our energy generation and consumption points in order to ensure optimal use of energy from storage at all times through intelligent storage. The system control algorithm continuously analyses the status of our energy generation, storage, and consumption and makes use of the predictions generated in factory testing to optimise system settings at all times.

Our energy production points are:

  • The test bench where we test each and every one of the generator sets we manufacture.
  • Our solar panel array on the roof of bay B27, which has 126 panels totalling 57 kW.
  • The photovoltaic glass on the facade of bays B28 and B27, which consists of 93 panels totalling 13.1 kW.
  • The back-up network in case of system failure.

Our storage systems are:

  • A lithium-ion battery rack (phase 1); 14 modules providing a total of 92 kWh of power./li>
  • Generation of green hydrogen for storage (phase 2).

The consumers in this case are:

  • Our own facilities in bays B28 and B27.