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Description
Eneric Ltd. is pioneering a transformative project, MINIVAC, designed to revolutionize gas stations'' environmental impact by achieving zero emissions during the gasoline distribution process. Recognizing the environmental implications of petrol vapour release during refilling and vehicle fueling, the project introduces a sophisticated vapors recovery system. The MINIVAC system, based on adsorption on activated carbon and dry vacuum technology, captures and cleanses gasoline vapours, significantly reducing local, regional, and global air pollution. This innovative solution not only aligns with global trends toward greener practices in the automotive industry but also contributes to the reduction of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hydrocarbons in the atmosphere. Eneric Ltd. envisions MINIVAC as a vital step toward a more sustainable future in the gasoline distribution sector, providing a highly efficient, automated, and environmentally friendly solution for gas stations of varying sizes.
Enertic Ltd, will actively engage in awareness events, higlighting the eco-friendly practices of the Norwegian industry. This collaboration aims to demonstrate how Bulgarian entities, including Enertic Ltd., can draw valuable insights and benefits from adopting similar environmentally conscious approaches. Through shared experiences, this partnership promotes sustainable practices, fostering cross-cultural learning and contributing to a more interconnected global business community.
Summary of project results
The project "We Breathe Clear Air" aimed to address the following key issues and challenges:
Environmental Pollution: Petrol refuelling processes at gas stations release significant quantities of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and CO2 into the atmosphere. These emissions contribute to air pollution, environmental degradation, and health issues.
Inefficient Vapor Recovery Solutions: Existing vapor recovery systems are often energy-inefficient and fail to fully prevent the escape of unprocessed vapours, leading to avoidable environmental and economic losses.
Economic Viability for Gas Stations: Many gas station operators are reluctant to invest in vapor recovery systems due to their high upfront costs and limited financial returns.
Regulatory Gaps: While large petrol storage bases are subject to stringent EU environmental regulations, smaller-scale gas stations often operate under less strict requirements, resulting in fewer operators implementing effective vapor recovery solutions.
Technological Innovation: The project aimed to fill a market gap with an innovative and more efficient vapor recovery system, tailored for gas stations and designed to exceed existing environmental standards.
Competitiveness and Market Expansion: Eneric Ltd. needed to diversify its product portfolio to remain competitive in the fuel logistics and energy sector, particularly against larger international players entering the regional market.
By addressing these challenges, the project sought to provide environmental, economic, and technological benefits while promoting sustainable practices in the fuel retail industry.
The "We Breathe Clear Air" project implemented a series of activities to develop and commercialize the innovative MINIVAC vapor recovery system, aimed at significantly reducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions at gas stations. Below is an outline of the key activities and outputs:
Activities
Completion of R&D and Product Development:
- Conducted the final stages of the R&D process, advancing the system from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 to TRL 9.
- Activities included:
- Designing the control system for MINIVAC.
- Functional testing of the prototype in operational environments.
- Process calculations and the creation of an Operating Instruction Manual (OIM).
- Advisory services and know-how transfer from the project partner (Pipeotech AS) regarding safety and performance standards.
- Software development to automate and optimize the system''s functions.
Prototype and Patent Application:
- Created and tested a functional prototype of the MINIVAC system.
- Submitted a patent request for the product to the Bulgarian National Patent Office, securing intellectual property rights.
Equipment Procurement and Preparation:
- Purchased specialized equipment for the installation, calibration, and monitoring of MINIVAC, including a mobile calibrating and measurement device (MASTER METER).
Outputs
Product Development:
- Successfully developed MINIVAC, a vapor recovery system that reduces VOC emissions by over 99.9%.
- The system uses advanced adsorption on activated carbon and vacuum regeneration technology to capture and recycle hydrocarbons, recovering approximately 56 litres of fuel per truckload of petrol delivered to gas stations.
Patent Filed:
- Secured intellectual property rights for MINIVAC, increasing its competitive edge in the market.
Green Technology Implementation:
- By the fifth year after project completion, it is expected that 45 gas stations will adopt MINIVAC, preventing the release of an estimated 686,835 kg of VOCs annually.
Capacity Expansion:
- Acquired a mobile calibration system (MASTER METER) to ensure accurate installation and monitoring of MINIVAC units.
Economic and Environmental Benefits:
- Provided a cost-attractive solution for gas station operators, enabling them to recover their investment within approximately three years.
- Contributed to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and supported the transition to greener industry practices.
Knowledge Sharing:
- The partnership with Pipeotech AS facilitated the integration of cutting-edge safety features and created opportunities for future collaborations.
These activities and outputs laid the foundation for MINIVAC to penetrate the market, benefiting both the environment and the operational efficiency of gas station operators.
The "We Breathe Clear Air" project successfully developed and introduced the MINIVAC vapor recovery system, achieving both environmental and economic impacts. Below is a detailed account of the outcomes, impacts, and their beneficiaries:
Outcomes and Impacts
1. Environmental Impact
- Significant VOC Reduction:
- Prevented the release of over 15,263 kg of VOCs annually for each gas station equipped with MINIVAC.
- By the fifth year of implementation, a total of 45 gas stations are expected to adopt MINIVAC, reducing VOC emissions by an estimated 686,835 kg annually.
- Enhanced Air Quality:
- Contributed to cleaner air by drastically reducing harmful emissions, aligning with global goals for air pollution reduction.
2. Economic Impact
- Financial Benefits for Gas Station Operators:
- Operators recover an estimated 56 liters of petrol per truckload of fuel delivered, representing a direct financial return.
- Investment payback period for MINIVAC is approximately three years, with additional profits generated after this period.
- Boosted Company Growth:
- The project''s success is projected to increase Eneric Ltd.’s annual turnover by 59% and operational profit by 25% on average over four years post-implementation.
3. Technological and Business Impact
- New Technology Development and Commercialization:
- Created a patented, innovative vapor recovery system that sets a new benchmark for green technology in the fuel retail sector.
- Market Penetration:
- Expanded Eneric Ltd.''s market share within Bulgaria and the Balkan region, solidifying its reputation as a leader in environmentally friendly solutions.
- Job Creation:
- Created four new green jobs for engineers, focusing on the installation, servicing, and monitoring of MINIVAC units.
4. Social and Awareness Impact
- Raised Environmental Awareness:
- Gas stations equipped with MINIVAC gained eco-friendly branding, raising public awareness of sustainable practices in fuel retail.
- Knowledge Transfer:
- Collaborated with the donor project partner (Pipeotech AS) to integrate advanced safety features and optimize the system''s design.
Beneficiaries
Primary Beneficiary:
- Eneric Ltd.:
- Achieved a competitive edge with the development and commercialization of MINIVAC.
- Expanded its portfolio with a patented, market-ready product, fostering long-term growth.
Secondary Beneficiaries:
Gas Station Operators:
- Benefited from reduced fuel losses and improved profitability.
- Positioned as eco-conscious businesses, enhancing customer loyalty.
General Public and Local Communities:
- Gained cleaner air and improved environmental conditions due to reduced VOC and CO2 emissions.
Employees and New Hires:
- Current and newly hired engineers benefited from specialized training and job opportunities in green technology.
Environmental Stakeholders:
- Policymakers and environmental organizations benefited from the project''s contribution to emission reduction goals and green industry innovation.
Project Partner (Pipeotech AS):
- Enhanced its experience in international collaborations and knowledge-sharing, opening avenues for future partnerships.
Summary of Key Results
The project had a profound impact on environmental sustainability, economic growth, and technological innovation. By addressing a critical gap in fuel retail emissions, it benefited a diverse group of stakeholders, including businesses, communities, and the environment, while positioning Eneric Ltd. as a leader in green innovation.
Summary of bilateral results
"We Breathe Clear Air" project benefited significantly from bilateral cooperation with the donor project partner, Pipeotech AS, a Norwegian company specializing in industrial piping solutions and environmental protection.The bilateral cooperation between Eneric Ltd. and Pipeotech AS exemplified the benefits of international partnerships. It not only enhanced the project''s technical and environmental outcomes but also created lasting synergies that can drive future innovation and market growth. This collaboration showcased how donor partnerships can foster knowledge sharing, sustainability, and economic development across borders.