RAS energy use and how to reduce it
Quick answer
Energy in RAS is used mainly for pumping water, aeration or oxygenation, and heating or cooling. The biggest savings come from low-head system design, efficient pumps with variable speed drives, good insulation, heat recovery and on-site solar where suitable.
Where the energy goes
- Water pumping through filters and tanks
- Blowers, degassing and oxygen production
- Heating or cooling to keep species temperature
- UV, ozone, lighting and controls
How to reduce kWh per kg
- Low-head design so water is lifted as little as possible
- High-efficiency pumps and variable speed drives
- Insulated buildings and heat exchangers
- Heat pumps instead of direct electric heating
- Solar power and night-time tariffs where available
- Energy metering per unit to find waste
Ask suppliers for energy numbers
Ask each supplier for expected kWh per kg of fish produced, under stated conditions. Use the same electricity price to compare OPEX between offers.
Frequently asked questions
Planning a RAS project?
Send one request and our team shortlists suitable vetted RAS suppliers and prepares comparable quotes. Human-reviewed, no automated marketplace.