Energy EfficiencyEnergy Efficiency
The paper discusses the challenges and potential innovations within the ceramics industry, particularly in Europe, in light of sustainability concerns. Despite the industry's efforts to halve energy consumption over the past 25 years, traditional ceramics manufacturing remains heavily reliant on methane burners, resulting in significant CO2 emissions during the high-temperature sintering process. Professor Ian M. Reaney emphasizes the difficulty of replacing old furnaces with alternatives like electric ones due to high capital costs. Current practices also involve considerable waste, which could be mitigated by minimizing production errors and exploring industrial symbiosis to recycle waste in other applications, such as in cement production. The iWAYS project, aiming to recover water and energy from industrial exhaust gases, is highlighted as a promising technology for the ceramics sector. This project could lead to better water management and energy recovery, potentially reducing overall energy use in manufacturing. To decarbonize the industry, a holistic approach is needed, focusing on resource efficiency, substitution of raw materials that contribute to carbon emissions, and adopting advanced energy recovery systems. Long-term strategies revolving around decarbonizing the power grid also play a role, but immediate improvements in resource and energy efficiency are crucial. The paper also reflects on the broader industry shift in Europe towards sustainable production, influenced by both government legislation and market demand for greener products. Companies are recognizing that sustainability encompasses economic viability, societal benefits, and environmental responsibility. Government investment incentives and legislation serve as a combination of 'carrot and stick' to stimulate this shift toward sustainability in the ceramics industry.
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Competitiveness of the European Energy-Intensive Industries
The European Round Table for Industry reports, authored by the Boston Consulting Group, highlight challenges in Europe's energy transition, advocating for regulatory changes to foster competitiveness amid higher energy costs, risk of deindustrialization, and the need for large-scale investment in energy infrastructure to meet Green Deal goals.
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Financing energy efficiency work continues: from EEFIG to EEEFinCoalition
The EEEFinCoalition launch aims to foster dialogue and improve the energy efficiency investment climate. It builds on EEFIG's work which enhanced commercial investment in energy-efficient technologies. EEFIG's final reports serve as key references for financing energy efficiency in buildings and industry, with a focus on consumer demand and regulatory frameworks. The EEIP extends EEFIG's efforts, particularly for SMEs, through projects like DEESME 2050.
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Innovative Energy Efficiency in the European Food and Beverage Industry: A Holistic Human-Centered Approach
The INDUCE project under Horizon 2020 promotes energy efficiency in the European food and beverage sector with a human-centered design approach. Its methodology, validated by pilot programs, combines technical, behavioral, and cultural changes for sustainable energy practices, targeting broad industry application and energy savings.
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Energy Insights: The Secret Sauce for the Food and Beverage Industry
The paper outlines how food and beverage companies can use Energy Management Systems to cut costs, increase efficiency, and promote sustainability by using real-time data and predictive maintenance, bolstered by IoT and smart sensor technology.
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The Core of Europe's Economy: A Deep Dive into the EU Food and Drink Industry
The EU food and drink industry is a key economic player with a €1,192 billion turnover and significant investment. Employing 4.72 million people, it leads manufacturing employment but sees lower labor productivity. The sector is embracing digitalization and prioritizing sustainability while maintaining a strong global trade presence.
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Transforming the Global Food Sector: A Path to Energy-Smart Practices
The FAO 2011 paper advocates for an energy-smart food system to enhance sustainability, reduce GHG emissions, and improve food security by boosting energy efficiency and integrating renewable energies across the food supply chain, while providing policy recommendations and calling for international cooperation.
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Enhancing Marketing Success through Food Value Chains: A Guide to Creating Shared Value
Food value chains enhance agribusiness by combining social objectives with transparency and sustainability, yielding economic, community, and environmental benefits while relying on collaborative leadership for success.
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Navigating the Global Food Value Chain: Challenges and Opportunities for the 21st Century
The paper discusses the complexities of the food value chain, addressing global food demand challenges due to population growth, urbanization, and changing diets. It explores advancements in agricultural technologies and strategic market responses towards sustainability and health-conscious consumption trends.
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Harnessing Energy Efficiency in the Food and Beverage Industry
The white paper discusses energy challenges in the food industry, emphasizing the need for efficiency amid rising global energy demands. It outlines strategic energy assessments and technological solutions like variable speed drives for reducing energy use and improving sustainability, citing case studies demonstrating significant energy savings.
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