Over two-thirds of industrial steam users are more likely to invest in greener steam technology during the recovery from Covid-19.
That is the main finding of new research from energy service provider Aggreko, which surveyed over 200 organisations in the public and private sector.
The ability to adapt and recover sustainably and productively are expected to drive demand for more efficient steam technology in 2021.
The research, which was commissioned to determine how the global pandemic has reshaped business priorities, sought to establish how different factors are influencing uptake in the steam boiler market. Those interviewed included energy and production managers in manufacturing and petrochemical refineries, as well as facilities managers in hospitals and government departments.
Though businesses might be expected to be reluctant to invest in upgrades after the disruption over the last year, 68% of respondents said they were now more likely to invest in greener technology or new equipment to improve energy efficiency and emissions. However, just under 20% said they were less likely to invest in new technology until the economic impact of the virus becomes clear, with business uncertainty being the determining factor.
Others cited the need to keep pace with rivals as a reason to invest, with 63% of the sample identifying “competitiveness” as the main reason to spend money on a new steam boiler. Rising energy bills and strain on current assets also scored highly, at 53% and 52% respectively.
A number of factors are expected to impede recovery. An overwhelming majority said it had become harder to find people with the necessary skills to operate and maintain steam boilers since the pandemic. And over half pointed to an increase in maintenance costs as another key issue. These problems appear to explain why almost 85% said they would consider hiring equipment as a way to bridge a gap in demand and minimise the threat of an existing boiler breaking down.
Aggreko is set to launch some new steam boilers into its range for hire. The two and five tonne models have advantages including rapid steam production from cold start, higher energy efficiency ratings and low carbon emissions. The company believes it will not only help meet a surge in demand from industries such as power generation and chemical processing, but also help to navigate uncertainty following Covid-19 and the UK’s departure from the EU.
The full report is available at www.aggreko.com/en-gb/steam-boiler-report