Impact of integrating a photovoltaic power plant for self-consumption on the competitiveness of companies in the metal surface protection sector

Abstract

This research focuses on the techno-economic and environmental feasibility of integrating self-consumption through a photovoltaic (PV) system in the metal surface protection industry, which is energy-intensive. Eurosjaj d.o.o. is also used as a case study and closely linked to the two strategic aims of the study to reduce costs and adhere to the emerging European Union climate policies, and specifically the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). A quantitative scenario analysis along a 30-year time horizon correlates the baseline scenario with partial and complete integration of PV, i.e., on the grid process of the electricity supply. Technical modelling, including site-specific solar resource, operational load profile, PV degradation profile, and system efficiencies, and finance analysis, including net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), and levelized costs of electricity (LCOE) metrics, are used. Avoided CO₂ emissions and/or corresponding costs with CBAM cost savings are quantified by environmental evaluation. Findings indicate that total adoption of PV can reduce the cost of electricity by up to 60%, remove over 50% of CO₂ emissions, and reduce the weight of CBAM, thereby generating the most significant economic and environmental benefits. The findings demonstrate the strategic value of decentralised generation of renewable energy within the energy-intensive sector by combining operational resiliency with regulatory compliance.