The European Union recently established a renewable energy target for each member state to achieve by 2020. The targets give the proportion of each state’s total energy consumption that must derive from renewable sources. Ireland was allocated a target of 16%, though the nation has adopted an independent target of 20%. 

Already, businesses and individuals have taken actions to combat global warming and progress towards meeting this target. Examples include switching to renewable power, recycling regularly and cycle to work schemes. Industrial plant managers must take measures to maximise the energy efficiency of their equipment, to ensure that their business is playing its part in the efforts to meet the 2020 target. 

Insulation

For equipment that requires heating, insulation is especially important. This is because the greater the amount of heat loss, the more energy that is needed to replace it. Moreover, equipment with higher internal temperatures generates a greater temperature gradient between the internal and external environments. This culminates in a greater rate of heat loss. 

As with any building, insulation of the walls and roof are essential for reducing energy consumption. This kind of insulation keeps industrial plants cool in the height of summer and warm in the depths of winter, reducing the amount of energy used to heat and cool the building. 

Submetering

Using submetering, it is possible to measure the energy used by individual buildings, devices or departments. This provides tenants with actual usage data, rather than estimations. They can use this data to identify sources of wasted energy, and to optimise their energy efficiency. Another advantage is that each tenant is only billed on the amount of energy they use, which eliminates tension between co-tenants. 

Energy suppliers often implement peak demand management, whereby they charge extra per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy at the time when consumption is highest. The aim is to avoid failing to meet demand by discouraging businesses from maximum consumption at this time. Industrial plant managers can use data from submetering to save money by minimising their energy usage at peak demand times. 

Variable speed drives (VSDs)

Most electric motors run at maximum speed and the output is controlled by altering the fuel flow. This is highly inefficient and is one of the reasons why electric motors account for 43-45% of all global electricity consumption. By replacing electric motors with VSDs, industrial plants will waste less energy. This is because the output of VSDs is controlled externally by altering the power input. 

Industrial plant managers must play their part in saving the planet by adopting initiatives to optimise their energy efficiency. While these may seem like simple steps to take, they could make a huge difference.