An Outlook on the Adoption of Renewable Energy Solutions at South African Beverage Manufacturers

To decarbonise industry, which accounts for half of the total energy demand, renewable and sustainable energy solutions must be embraced. Not only to meet electricity requirements but, more importantly, to substitute fossil fuels used to generate process heat. This research assesses the cost-benefits of renewable and sustainable energy solutions for the South African beverage sector, representing an estimated 3020 GWh in annual energy demand, and provides a framework for the broader adoption of these technologies. For South African beverage producers, the study concludes that investments in photovoltaic and battery energy storage systems will continue to take priority, given the favourable 17–21 % Year-1 return on capital. However, given spatial and capital constraints, the judicious planning of solar thermal energy system requirements is advocated, to address the in-situ nature of process heat generation.