Atlas Copco Compressors has
released figures indicating that UK
industry could save 16.5 million
kWh of energy in 2012* as a result of
using its energy efficient VSD
compressor technology. Almost 9
million kg of CO2 could also be
saved – the equivalent of more than
2000 trips around the world. Yet the
company says the technology is still
not being used to maximum
advantage by UK businesses.

While lack of access to funding is
often cited as a reason why many
SMEs are unable to develop their
businesses, when it comes to energy
saving projectes, there are various
funding schemes available.

One such scheme is the Enhanced
Capital Allowances program,
managed by the Carbon Trust on
behalf of the government. In July
2011, Atlas Copco launched a 0%
finance scheme to encourage
investment in compressed air
technology. A further development is
the Energy Efficiency Financing
Scheme that will provide £550m over
the next three years for investment in
energy efficient technology.

Atlas Copco’s VSD compressors
are available as oil-injected models
from 5 to 500kW and oil-free models
from 22 to 900kw.

* 16.5 million kWh – based on typical 25%
average saving on energy, and 4000 running
hours per annum when a VSD compressor is
compared to a fixed speed unit