Industrial Energy Efficiency Gains Traction

Industrial Energy Efficiency Gains Traction

Typically, utilities focus on consumers when promoting energy efficiency initiatives, trying to reduce heat loss and encourage use of newer products. However, the commercial sector represents about 45% of the world’s energy consumption and is another area where efficiency gains could significantly reduce energy usage. Industrial energy equipment suppliers, their customers, and utilities recognize the potential and are working together to lower energy demand.

Energy efficiency has moved up the corporate priority list and become a Board of Directors level topic. In fact, 89% of industrial leaders plan to increase their energy efficiency investments in the coming five years, according to an ABB survey.

The potential benefits come from many types of industrial equipment. Trains have been one area of emphasis, and they have gained alluring features through the years. They are more efficient aerodynamically than trucks. Diesel-powered trains transfer about 30% to 35% of the energy generated by combustion to the wheels; supplying electricity directly from overhead powerline transfers about 95% of the energy to the wheels. As a result, railways move freight 1.9 to 5.5 times better than trucks. 

Energy Efficiency Reduces Carbon Emissions

Energy inefficiency creates a few other byproducts. Fossil fuel systems create carbon emissions. Transporting goods accounts for almost 30% of global CO2 emissions. Heavy vehicles, like trucks, account for about one quarter of the 30%.  Diesel powered machines also increase pollution and create potential health concerns. The potential downsides increase in enclosed working environments like underground mines.

The industry is responding. In fact, 54% of enterprises want to achieve net-zero emissions in the next five years, according to the ABB survey.

As a result, suppliers and utilities are moving away from traditional inefficient fossil fuel systems to modern electric devices.  Electric powertrain like technology – solutions specifically designed to handle harsh working conditions – is becoming available for heavy industrial vehicles, like excavators. These new vehicles use battery power or overhead catenary power lines, as well as hybrid diesel-electric systems, again increasing efficiency and lowering emissions.

In addition, electric propulsion systems are available for small to mid-size marine vessels. For larger vessels, alternative fuels and power storage systems are under development with a focus on hybrid electrical propulsion.

Improving energy efficiency has been an ongoing challenge for utilities. Traditionally, they emphasized consumer and building improvements. Industrial energy efficiency also has potential to lower demand as well as reduce carbon emissions, which has sparked more interest in it.