Electrification of Process Heat in the Danish Food and Beverage Industry: Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis Approach
Authors
Rasmussen, Thomas Kirkegaard ; Løvbjerg, Magnus Kerkamm
Term
4. Term
Publication year
2026
Submitted on
2026-06-03
Abstract
This thesis examines how a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) framework can support investment decisions for electrifying process heat in Denmark’s food and beverage industry. Despite substantial technical potential, the sector remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels, with key barriers including economic uncertainty, system integration complexity, and limited knowledge among decision-makers. Using energy mapping and semi-structured interviews in two case companies (Dragsbæk and Thisted Bryghus), the study designs and assesses three alternative systems: a high-temperature heat pump, an electric steam boiler, and a molten-salt thermal energy storage solution. The options are evaluated with an MCDA framework using seven criteria spanning economic, environmental, technological, knowledge, and market dimensions. Results show no single system performs best across all weighting scenarios; the preferred option depends on whether economic, environmental, or technological performance is prioritized. The study concludes that MCDA provides a strategic decision-support tool that enables more transparent and holistic evaluation, particularly for small and medium-sized firms facing complex and uncertain investment contexts.
Denne afhandling undersøger, hvordan en multi-kriteriel beslutningsanalyse (MCDA) kan understøtte investeringsbeslutninger om elektrificering af procesvarme i den danske fødevare- og drikkevareindustri. På trods af et stort teknisk potentiale er sektoren fortsat stærkt afhængig af fossile brændsler, og centrale barrierer omfatter økonomisk usikkerhed, kompleks systemintegration og begrænset viden hos beslutningstagere. Gennem energikortlægning og semistrukturerede interviews i to caser (Dragsbæk og Thisted Bryghus) designeres og vurderes tre alternative systemer: en højtemperatur-varmepumpe, en elektrisk dampkedel og et smeltet-salt varmelagringssystem. Alternativerne evalueres med et MCDA-rammeværk med syv kriterier, der spænder over økonomiske, miljømæssige, teknologiske, vidensmæssige og markedsmæssige dimensioner. Resultaterne viser, at ingen løsning er bedst på tværs af alle vægtningsscenarier; det foretrukne system afhænger af, om økonomi, miljø eller teknologi prioriteres. Studiet konkluderer, at MCDA giver et strategisk beslutningsstøtteværktøj, der muliggør mere transparent og helhedsorienteret vurdering, særligt for små og mellemstore virksomheder i komplekse og usikre investeringskontekster.
[This abstract has been generated with the help of AI directly from the project full text]