Brewing is an inherently energy-intensive craft, where the thermal heat required for mashing, boiling, and cleaning often exceeds the facility's electricity consumption. Recognizing this challenge and the urgency of moving toward sustainable production, Guayacán Brewery partnered with Fraunhofer Chile to determine how to effectively integrate solar energy into their process. The project began with a comprehensive analysis to pinpoint consumption hotspots and identify potential efficiencies. Following this, we implemented optimization measures, designed a flat-plate solar collector layout to meet thermal demands, and sized a photovoltaic system for distributed generation. The initiative culminated in a strategic roadmap toward carbon neutrality, backed by a rigorous economic and environmental assessment of both technologies.
Expanding our impact in the agribusiness sector, Fraunhofer Chile also conducted the preliminary studies for the country’s first commercial parabolic solar thermal concentrator at Jucosol. Located in San Felipe in the Valparaíso Region, this grape concentrate exporter sought to decarbonize its operations by incorporating clean energy sources. Through our technical validation, the company was able to select solar energy as a viable, sustainable alternative for its industrial processes.