Solar Thermal Calculator

Pharmaceuticals Industry

Preamble

The Indian pharmaceutical industry is ranked third in the world in terms of production volume, and 14thin terms of domestic consumption value. It is currently growing at a rate of 14% per year. The market capitalisation of the industry was estimated at USD 19.4 billion in FY09. In terms of the value of pharmaceutical business, formulation business accounts for about 65% and bulk drugs for the remaining 35%. The industry is expected to reach USD 43.8 billion in FY14. Bulk drug exports are expected to grow swiftly at about 35%, followed by formulation exports at about 25%. The domestic formulation market is expected to grow at about 11% with key growth drivers being increased per capita expenditure on pharmaceuticals, improved medical infrastructure, greater health insurance penetration and increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases.

Business Opportunity

The Indian pharmaceutical industry ranks third in the world in terms of production and volume. It is estimated that the sector consumed 930 ktoe of primary energy during 2007–08. Pharmaceutical industries consume both electrical and thermal energy at different stages of their processes. Hence, the chances for replacing conventional sources of energy by solar energy are good. Most of the thermal energy applications in pharmaceutical units require low-range temperatures which are easily achievable by solar energy applications. It has been observed that approximately 20% of the total energy consumption in the units within the sector is due to heat load. Based on certain empirical analysis it was determined that 5% of the heat load could be suitably replaced by solar energy applications. Keeping in mind all these factors, the total energy replacement potential in the sector is estimated at approximately 9 ktoe/annum.

Solar Thermal Interface Processes for Pharma Processes.

Energy being used Application media Temperature required ˚C Recommended solar technology
Distillation Hot water 55–80 FPC/ETC
Evaporation Steam >120 Solar concentrators
Drying Steam/Hot air >120 Solar hot air system