PUM experts possess extensive knowledge of energy generation and conversion technologies. They give advice on energy efficiency measures aimed at conserving energy in various sectors. Through their projects, our Energy experts contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 7, Energy for a sustainable society.
Affordable and reliable energy is often essential for further development and improving living conditions. At the same time, the impact of fossil fuels on global warming drives the urgent need to transition to renewable sources. In the coming decades, fossil fuels will increasingly be replaced by solar, hydropower, wind, biomass and geothermal energy especially in tropical regions where solar energy is abundant.
At PUM, we support SMEs in core industries of the food and non-food industries—such as horticulture, hospitality, healthcare, and ruminants.
We also offer accelerating skills in cross-cutting areas like business strategy, technical assistance, eco and social transition, and learning & development. These are not standalone services; instead, we apply them where relevant to strengthen projects within a core industry.
For example, we don’t offer general marketing support to a marketing agency, but we do assist a tourism or food processing business improve its marketing efforts. This approach also boosts collaboration across sectors and business ecosystems, driving broader, more sustainable growth.
In sectors where energy costs form a large part of operational expenses, even modest energy-saving measures can reduce consumption by 20% or more. This not only cuts emissions but also significantly boosts profitability.
In many countries where firewood and charcoal are commonly used for cooking or heating, the shift to sustainable energy carries another major benefit: reducing the pressure on forests and preventing serious deforestation.
PUM experts support businesses and organisations in identifying opportunities for renewable energy and implementing energy-saving measures. Their advice contributes to both economic resilience and environmental protection—supporting a more sustainable energy future.
PUM experts have vast know-how of technologies to generate and convert energy but also on energy efficiency measures to save energy, in industry and other commercial enterprises as well as in consumer applications. They have knowledge of the latest developments and share a network in Dutch and European companies active in the energy sector. They are well equipped to transfer their knowledge and experience in trainings and seminars. Also the environmental effects of energy generation/conversion/consumption (like air pollution and waste materials) are covered by PUM’s energy experts.
What can the PUM expert do for you?
The PUM expert will look at your specific situation and give recommendations that provide you with the best result at the lowest possible costs. We can calculate what the best drying conditions are, what air flow and temperature you need to dry your products. We can help you to design the dimensions of your drying system or greenhouse. The materials required for the construction of a drying system are usually simple materials and low-cost. They can be made locally and installed at your premises.
Not only the generation, but also the distribution needs to be taken care of in a reliable and safe fashion.
Where still traditional sources are applied, one should take care that they are handled in an (energy) efficient way.
Efficiency can be greatly boosted when heat and electricity are generated in combination.
Solar Drying
Do you want to improve the quality or increase the capacity of your dried products? Are moisture levels too high, affecting shelf life and preservation? PUM can help you implement more efficient solar drying systems, such as greenhouses or dedicated drying rooms.
Common Challenges
Drying is essential for products like fruit, grains, and fish—but in tropical regions, high humidity can make this difficult. Drying in open air risks rain, contamination by animals, and mould formation due to slow drying and poor moisture control.
Effective Solutions
Drying indoors, for example in a greenhouse, offers clear benefits:
Protection from rain
No contamination by animals
Higher temperatures and better evaporation
Still, conditions inside the greenhouse must be right. Temperature and airflow are crucial. Thermal solar panels can further improve performance by heating incoming air, allowing more control and increased drying capacity. Natural convection can drive airflow, or ventilators can be added for even better results.
PUM experts have extensive knowledge in solar drying technologies and can support you in designing and optimising systems that improve product quality, reduce waste, and keep energy costs low.
Our experts have executed energy audits resulting in advice on energy saving measures. A chain of eco-hotels faced fast growing electricity bills. Followng a well-structured checklist simple energy savings of about 25% could be identified. With the application of solar PV and Solar Hot Water and improved control of energy functions (airco, lighting, cooking, etc.) additional saving of 30 % could be proposed, with a return on investments of less than four years.
Huge energy generation is feasible turning animal manure into biogas (using the residues as fertilizer). In several cases high volumes of biogas were obtained from poultry waste. Other applications range from sugar cane bagasse and other crop waste to be turned into biogas (methane) or biofuel (methanol).
In co-operation with the PUM sectors “Water, waste & environment” and “Agriculture” we advised the replacement of diesel driven pumps with (submergible) pumps run on solar electricity. Such pumps avoid expensive fuel for the diesel pumps and with a water storage bin allow for controlled irrigation at selected periods. Combined with a water saving system of drip irrigation and appropriate fertilisers the harvest was doubled. Environmental benefits are less noise and air pollution and reduction of CO2 emissions. Return on investment is as low as about three years.
Looking to grow your business or organisation sustainably and build a brighter future for your community? Contact one of our representatives in your country for criteria, more information and guidance on the application process.
