Energy Efficiency

The paper discusses the critical role of energy efficiency in food production, emphasizing the need for food manufacturers to adopt energy management practices to remain competitive and sustainable. It outlines the benefits of benchmarking and KPIs, the adoption of frameworks like ISO 50001, and the utilization of advanced monitoring, control systems, and ICT for improved energy performance. It also addresses barriers to implementation and strategies for overcoming these challenges.

SMEs, at 98.9% of European businesses, collectively account for 13% of energy demand, presenting significant energy efficiency potential. Barriers include financial constraints and lack of energy management. Supportive policies and tailored programs can incentivize efficiency improvements, leveraging SMEs' key role in reaching the EU's energy goals.

The survey of European industries on energy efficiency reveals high concerns for energy costs, positive attitudes towards exceeding environmental standards, yet a notable gap in adopting recommended energy-saving measures due to factors like cost, complexity, and management decision-making.

EnerWhizz, launched by EEIP, is a mobile quiz game promoting energy innovation knowledge through fast-paced yes-or-no questions. Top scorers win monthly prizes. The game, based on the EU-funded EENOVA project, aims to educate on energy transition technologies, policies, and best practices.

FUN STORY: The EENOVA project enhanced energy efficiency in Foodville's food processing industry through whimsical roundtables, innovative audits, practical solutions, policy recommendations, celebratory events, skill training, and humorous communication strategies, leaving a sustainable and competitive legacy.

The ceramics industry in Europe has made significant progress in energy optimization, cutting consumption by half in 25 years. Challenges persist, including reliance on carbon-emitting methane burners and raw material imports. Innovations and regulatory measures aim to decrease emissions and resource waste, promoting sustainable manufacturing across the sector's 338,000 jobs and €27.8 billion contribution to the EU economy.

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.

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.

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.