Collection of ENEA technology and expertise
Energy and Economic Assessment Methodology (MVEE) for the analysis of innovative thermal and non-thermal processes and technologies in the agri-food sector
The MVEE methodology is an integrated tool for the technical, economic, and environmental assessment of innovative thermal processes in the agri-food sector. It enables comparison of alternative technologies, identification of energy-saving opportunities, estimation of operational costs, and reduction of environmental impact, providing sector- and technology-specific data otherwise difficult to obtain. MVEE supports informed decisions for adopting sustainable, high-performance solutions
Diagram of the MVEE methodology: analysis of thermal processes in the food industry, identification of sustainable alternatives, and integrated assessment of energy efficiency, environmental impact, and economic aspects for decision support
Application sectors
Problem to solve
The agri-food sector relies heavily on energy-intensive thermal processes, such as pasteurization, drying, and sterilization, which contribute significantly to operational costs and environmental impact. Companies need methodological tools to systematically assess process energy efficiency, compare innovative technologies, and optimize energy use. There is also a need to support data-driven decisions regarding the adoption of more sustainable technological solutions that reduce consumption and environmental impact without compromising product quality. The MVEE methodology addresses this need by providing an integrated approach for the technical and economic analysis of thermal processes in the food industry
Description
The MVEE methodology (Energy and Economic Evaluation Methodology) represents an innovative solution for the integrated analysis of thermal processes in the agri-food industry. It is a methodological and digital tool that systematically combines the energy, economic, and environmental assessment of production processes, enabling the comparison of alternative technologies and the identification of highly efficient and sustainable solutions. Unlike existing software, which provides only partial or generic analyses, MVEE delivers specific data on innovative technologies in the agri-food sector and their actual performance, supporting strategic decisions based on information that is otherwise difficult to obtain. The methodology integrates several calculation modules: the energy model estimates process consumption and efficiency; the economic model evaluates operational costs, investments, and economic returns of the technologies; the environmental module assesses impacts in terms of CO2 emissions and other sustainability indicators. Its modular and flexible approach allows MVEE to be adapted to various thermal processes, such as pasteurization, drying, and sterilization, and to evaluate alternative technological scenarios. MVEE supports companies in planning and optimizing processes, promoting the adoption of innovative technologies and the reduction of energy consumption and environmental impact. Thanks to its ability to generate detailed information on efficiency, costs, and sustainability for specific technologies and processes, MVEE represents a unique competitive advantage in the agri-food sector and also facilitates potential collaborations for the development of integrated digital platforms dedicated to process optimization
Innovative aspects and advantages
- Compares alternative technologies and innovative scenarios systematically and quantitatively
- Generates sector- and technology-specific data that are otherwise difficult to obtain
- Modular and flexible approach, adaptable to different thermal processes and case studies
- Provides an integrated assessment of energy efficiency, costs, and environmental impact of thermal processes in the agri-food sector
- Supports strategic decisions for the adoption of high-performance, sustainable solutions
Technological Maturity 3-4
Strengths
- Cost
- Social/economic relevance
- Legal/regulatory content
- Efficiency/productivity/performance
Admissible applications
- Agro-food: focus on improving the energy efficiency of thermal processes in the food industry (e.g., pasteurization, drying, sterilization)
- Energia: la Metodologia di Valutazione Energetica ed Economica (MVEE) consente la valutazione dell'efficienza energetica, dei costi associati e del potenziale di riduzione dei consumi e delle emissioni di CO2
- Sustainable technologies for the food industry: the approach facilitates the adoption of innovative solutions aimed at enhancing process sustainability and overall energy performance
Research group involved
Patent Available for Licensing
Non disponibile per una licenza
Revision date
18-11-2025
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