Energy Efficiency

The Agora Industry study outlines direct electrification's potential to fulfill 90% of industry's non-electrified energy demands in Europe by 2035, highlighting a key opportunity for CO2 reduction and progress towards EU climate targets.

This study examines energy savings achievable in industrial compressed air systems (CAS). It highlights common inefficiencies such as leaks, improper storage, and suboptimal compressor location. Implementing best practices can reduce energy usage by 20-60%, implying substantial cost and environmental benefits.

Pumping systems represent significant energy and cost usage in industrial operations. Implementing thorough Life Cycle Cost (LCC) analysis can yield major savings by encompassing all ownership costs from initial purchase to decommissioning. Proper design, avoiding oversizing, and maintenance are crucial strategies.

The 4E TCP report demonstrates how digital solutions in industrial motor systems enhance energy efficiency, with case studies showing benefits like reduced electricity consumption, improved operational flexibility, and lower maintenance costs. Advanced control systems, real-time data monitoring, and IoT technologies lead to significant energy and CO2 savings across various sectors, despite initial investment and implementation challenges.

The EU Energy Efficiency Directive sets binding targets to reduce energy use by 2030 and introduces measures across sectors for energy savings, prioritizing efficiency, sustainability, and enhanced energy security for European citizens and businesses, requiring member states to implement various efficiency strategies and reporting mechanisms.

The IEA's Energy Efficiency 2023 report calls for doubling global efficiency efforts to 4% annually for achieving net zero targets, highlighting significant regional progress, job creation potential, and the necessity for a transformative industry shift, supported by robust policies and investment.

The innovative Heat Pipe Condensing Economiser (HPCE) has been successfully commissioned at Alufluor AB in Sweden, demonstrating that significant heat, water, and material recovery is possible using current materials and knowledge. This milestone marks a major advancement in energy savings in the chemical process industry, showcasing the potential for substantial gains beyond incremental improvements. The project involved considerable engineering and infrastructure investment, leading to an operational capacity of 650kW from exhaust recovery since August 1st, and is applicable across various industries, particularly in regulated sectors.

SMEs overlook 10-30% energy savings due to incomplete audits and complex consumption patterns. Adopting EMS offers cost reduction, improved productivity, regulatory compliance, and enhanced reputation. Barriers such as perceived costs, resource constraints, and lack of commitment hinder EMS implementation. Technology aids effective energy management, with smart meters and IoT enabling real-time data tracking. Best practices include starting with energy audits, setting reduction goals, and engaging employees. Successful EMS adoption in SMEs contributes to carbon emission reduction and energy transition goals, aligning with EU support for SME recovery and innovation.

Directive (EU) 2023/1791 mandates a minimum 11.7% energy reduction by 2030, with specific targets for sectors and Member States. Emphasizing public sector efficiency, building renovations, and consumer empowerment, it sets a framework for sustainable energy use and addresses energy poverty, providing measures for enforcement and financing.