The Power of Electrification

In introducing its study “Tracking Clean Energy Progress 2023,” The IEA (International Energy Agency) makes this observation:

“With significant potential to mitigate emissions and decarbonise energy supply chains, electrification is an important strategy to reach net zero goals. As more energy end uses become electrified, the share of electricity in total final energy consumption increases in the Net Zero Emissions by 2050 (NZE) Scenario from 20% in 2022 to over 27% in 2030.??

In recent years this share has been increasing steadily, but to get on track with the NZE Scenario the speed of this increase will need to double to reach the 2030 milestone. Much of the need can be met by the shift towards electric transport and the installation of heat pumps. In industry the highest potential for electrification is in low-temperature heat processes, such as food drying and beverage processes. Due to the highly competitive market and long lifetime of equipment, the electrification of industrial end uses is slower compared to other demand sectors.”

In an article posted in February 2024, the Financial Times examined the pressures on the UK’s electricity production infrastructure to meet these demands:

“The government estimates ￡170bn-￡210bn must be invested by 2050 on expanding and reinforcing the onshore cables and pylons that carry electricity to people’s homes and businesses from the country’s power stations. The upgrades are needed so the networks can cope with the planned switch from fossil fuels to clean electricity, which will see households using battery cars and heat pumps reliant on electricity generated by wind and solar farms. The UK government’s Climate Change Committee forecasts electricity demand could double by 2050, the target date for net zero carbon emissions.”

As we are living through a period that is probably as significant as the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century it is worth looking at the challenges that face us, and in the case of Schwank, those related to the non-domestic HVAC sector.

Progress being made

There have been significant developments in the generation of clean electricity from renewable sources. The National Grid Group states that:

“Today, renewable energy sources make up a significant proportion of the electricity mix that powers our homes and businesses. And the UK is well on its way to creating an electricity system that’s wholly based on renewable and carbon-free sources.

2020 marked the first year in the UK’s history that electricity came predominantly from renewable energy, with 43% of our power coming from a mix of wind, solar, bioenergy and hydroelectric sources.

On 15 May 2023 the UK produced its trillionth kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity generated from renewable sources?– enough to power UK homes for 12 years based on average consumption. While it took 50 years to reach this milestone, based on current projections it will take just over five years to reach the next trillionth kWh.”

This is an encouraging claim, but it is also important to remember that energy efficiency needs to be integrated in all sustainable products, and this of course includes HVAC solutions for industry, commerce and public buildings such as schools and hospitals. Energy-efficient HVAC systems both benefit the environment and keep operating costs down for building owners and managers.

Schwank can offer the non-residential market an attractive range of energy-efficient systems powered by electricity. Our long-standing knowledge of heating through the infrared principle, mitigating against heat wastage, is integral to our new Electric Infrared Heaters. As we explain on our website:

“The eSchwank electric infrared heaters are?decentralised heating systems. They generate heat exactly where it is needed: In the area where people are staying. Electric heaters work with the infrared principle and are characterised by high efficiencies. Electric radiant heating is rated as?100% renewable.”

As mentioned before, the IEA claimed that there were two major elements in the path towards Net Zero: “Much of the need can be met by the shift towards electric transport and the installation of heat pumps.”

Schwank has a range of Electric Heat Pumps to offer the non-residential sector. Once again, returning to our website:

“Heat pumps draw around three-quarters of the energy for heating from the environment – for example, from the air or the ground.?These renewable energies are available free of charge.”

The genuine commitment to comply with Net Zero targets is widespread among UK industry and commerce, but the premises and operations of each individual business has their own specific requirements. Schwank’s HVAC solutions powered by electricity aim to meet every demand in full.