PE Tech recently concluded a comprehensive feasibility study with the aim of transforming the energy consumption of a BC fish farm’s offshore sites, signaling an important step towards sustainability in fish farming with grid power electrification. The primary objective was to devise a process that eliminates the reliance on diesel fuel generators, replacing them with a more sustainable grid power solution. The study focused on two main alternatives: the Low Carbon Electrification (LCE) of existing offshore fish farm sites, and the LCE of these in addition to two prospective sites.
Collaborating closely with the fish farm staff and equipment vendors, PE Tech successfully developed a process model for each alternative. These models were instrumental in estimating the potential operational cost savings, greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions, and associated capital expenditures. The findings underscore the substantial benefits of electrification for the fish farm, both in financial and environmental impact.
While diesel fuel remains a crucial backup for operational continuity during power outages, the study revealed that both electrification alternatives could achieve over 99% reduction in fossil fuel usage. The financial implications are significant, with projected 10-year cost savings amounting to $27.4 million for LCE of existing sites and $58.8 million for the alternative that utilizes two prospective sites. Based on these compelling results, PE Tech advocates a swift transition to grid energy for fish farm operations.
Throughout the study, PE Tech identified several areas for potential enhancements in system configuration, leading to further energy consumption reductions. One of the key insights was the high energy demand of environmental oxygenation, which constitutes a major portion of the fish farm power and cost requirements. Investigating opportunity costs related to the number of active equipment pieces, their specifications, placements, operational set points, and potential duty cycles could yield further efficiencies. Moreover, a more advanced oxygen sensor array could enable the fish farm to optimize its oxygenation grid, preventing equipment oversizing and enhancing operational efficiency.