Periodic Reporting for period 2 - ENOUGH (European food chain supply to reduce GHG emissions by 2050)
Reporting period: 2023-04-01 to 2024-09-30
One critical challenge is the reduction of emissions. The primary source of these emissions is energy use throughout the food chain. However, studies suggest that emissions can be reduced by up to 50% through a range of initiatives, including load reduction, process optimisation, and system integration. Another significant source of emissions arises from refrigerant leaks, particularly when using refrigerants with high global warming potential, which remain prevalent in many systems.
Another challenge is that the food sector is highly diverse, and it consists of many different enterprises, where the majority are small to medium sized enterprises. Benchmarking and assessing the current emissions of these enterprises is a complex task, as is effectively communicating information and providing them with access to appropriate technologies.
The goals of ENOUGH align closely with the objectives of the EU farm to fork, focusing on transforming the food industry to address pressing climate and sustainability challenges. These goals include:
1. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.
2. Achieving climate neutrality in food businesses by 2050 through reduced energy consumption and improved energy efficiency.
3. Enhancing the integrated sustainability of food systems, addressing social/health, climate/environmental, and economic dimensions while fulfilling societal objectives.
4. Raising awareness among policymakers, businesses, investors, entrepreneurs, institutions, stakeholders, and citizens about innovative systemic solutions and their potential for widespread adoption across the EU.
WP1: Baseline Emissions and Predictions
Establishes baseline greenhouse gas emissions for 1990 and 2019, providing the foundation for projecting emissions for 2030 (a key milestone for achieving a 55% reduction) and 2050 (aiming for a 50% reduction in GHG emissions).
WP2: Technological Analysis and Modeling
Develops bespoke models to evaluate current technical solutions (TRL 5-7 and above) and operational changes for different sectors of the food chain, identifying significant carbon reduction opportunities, financial payback, and time-to-market estimates.
WP3: Non-Technical Factors and Energy Roadmaps
Investigates non-technical barriers, such as public perception, behavioral factors, and business models, to complement technological solutions. Combines these insights with inputs from WP2 and WP4 to create energy roadmaps for achieving the EU's 2050 climate targets.
WP4: Energy Assessment Tool
Provides a web-based software tool to evaluate renewable energy sources, energy efficiency improvements, and opportunities for heating and cooling process symbiosis within food supply chains.
WP5: Digital Backbone
Implements a cyber-physical system of systems concept, underpinning Industry 4.0 strategies, to create a unified data environment and support digital services for the project.
WP6: Real-World Demonstrations
Tests and refines promising technologies in real-life applications, bridging the gap between upstream WP outputs and field implementation while offering technical and behavioral feedback to downstream WPs.
WP7: Policy Recommendations
Develops policy measures to facilitate the 50% emissions reduction target by 2050, integrating findings from WP1-WP6, including technology roadmaps, socio-economic impacts, energy efficiency goals, financial requirements, and sector synergies.
WP8: Communication and Dissemination
Ensures effective dissemination of project results to key stakeholders in the food chain, such as the food production industry, refrigeration manufacturers, policymakers, and academics, both in and outside of Europe.
WP9: Project Management
Oversees the administrative and technical coordination of the project, ensuring efficient and productive execution of activities.
WP10: Ethics Compliance
Ensures that all project activities comply with ethical standards and requirements.
WP11: Liaison with the European Commission
Facilitates communication with the European Commission, producing practitioner-focused materials, including summaries of key findings and results.
This structured approach enables ENOUGH to address technical, behavioural, and policy challenges comprehensively, ensuring meaningful progress towards achieving climate-neutral food systems.
We are developing, adapting, and applying new technologies while improving the integration and streamlining of processes. Emphasis is placed on integrating heating and cooling systems, as well as incorporating renewable energy sources into industrial processes. These efforts are complemented by advancements in thermal and energy storage to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
As part of the project, we are demonstrating the feasibility and reliability of innovative technologies to engage the food industry and other stakeholders. Leveraging strong and extensive links with industry, we are actively and effectively communicating information to foster greater awareness and potential adoption of these solutions.
A key focus of the project is on thermal integration, specifically the utilisation of waste heat resources that are often underutilised, as well as opportunities for recovering and using waste cold. These efforts aim to highlight the potential for significant energy savings and emission reductions through better resource management.
To provide a holistic understanding of food systems, we are integrating information into a unique IoT-based analysis platform. This platform combines sensor data and databases with digital twin models of food supply chains, from processing to consumption. It enables a comprehensive assessment of energy use, emissions, food quality and safety, and food waste impacts.
While the project primarily focuses on technological advancements, it also addresses non-technological and behavioural challenges. Recognising that the success of new technologies depends on their seamless integration into existing processes and acceptance by end-users, we are exploring socio-behavioural factors and engaging with stakeholders to ensure practical applicability and widespread adoption.
This comprehensive approach is advancing the state of the art by combining cutting-edge technology, resource optimisation, and systemic integration, ultimately contributing to the decarbonisation and improved sustainability of the food supply chain.