Knowledge base

How to choose a cogeneration unit for the needs of an industrial plant?

Selection of the appropriate cogeneration unit is a process that requires technical experience and knowledge of the specific needs of the plant. In many cases, incorrect assumptions at the planning stage can lead to the inadequacy of the device's power or the selection of technologies that will not meet the plant's energy requirements. This, in turn, results in suboptimal use of the cogeneration potential and increases the risk that the invested money will not bring the expected result.

Energy storage technologies

From lithium-ion batteries to pumped-storage hydropower plants to hydrogen storage, each of these energy storage technologies is used in a variety of industries. Choosing the right solution depends on the energy needs, production scale, and sustainability strategy of the company. In this article, we will explain how the different technologies work and where they perform best.

Green energy

Companies are increasingly turning to green energy. This is due to both the rising costs of traditional energy sources and the need to adapt to environmental protection requirements. Green energy not only supports the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, but also helps companies build a competitive advantage in a changing market environment.

Does energy saving within the meaning of the law have to mean an actual reduction in energy consumption?

Energy saving is one of the key goals of energy and climate policy, supported by the provisions of the Energy Efficiency Act. But does energy saving always have to mean a real reduction in the amount of energy used? The answer to this question is more complex than it seems. Entrepreneurs implementing energy-saving investments often encounter a narrow interpretation of the regulations, based on the linguistic meaning of the term saving.

Typical payback periods for energy-saving technologies – an overview of solutions for the industry

Investments in energy efficiency technologies such as cogeneration, heat pumps, compressed air production management systems, photovoltaics, LED lighting, and energy-saving electric drives offer a range of benefits. These include reduced operating costs, improved power supply reliability, and decreased CO2 emissions. Typical payback periods range from 2 to 5 years, making these technologies profitable in both the short and long term. The decision on the appropriate solution should follow a detailed analysis of the company’s needs, a service provided by DB Energy as part of its energy audits. While the final choice depends on specific requirements and conditions, one thing is clear: investments in energy efficiency are always beneficial. Let’s explore key solutions used by manufacturing companies and their typical payback periods.

Impact of environmental regulations on the activities of industrial companies

The green transformation, which is the foundation of EU climate strategies, is not just a loud slogan - it is a broad set of regulations and projects that will have a strong impact on Polish and foreign companies in the coming years. Regulations such as the European Green Deal, Fit for 55, or the EU ETS system compel companies to implement solutions that reduce CO₂ emissions, improve energy efficiency, and increase the share of renewable energy sources.

Biofuels in industry

More and more industrial companies are looking for alternative energy sources to achieve their energy efficiency and zero-emission strategy goals. One increasingly popular solution is the use of biofuels - alternative energy sources derived from renewable resources. Biofuels offer the possibility of reducing emissions and align with strategies aimed at achieving climate neutrality. In this article, we explore the types of biofuels, their applications in various industrial sectors, the benefits they offer to companies striving for zero emissions, and the challenges associated with their implementation.

Green hydrogen – the future of energy

The growing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is forcing Polish and European industries to seek new, more ecological solutions. Among them, hydrogen holds a key place – a technology with the potential to revolutionize both the energy and industrial sectors. What exactly is green hydrogen, how is it produced, and what are the benefits and challenges of its implementation? This issue is addressed by Dr. Piotr Danielski, Technical Director at DB Energy.

Smart Grids - characteristics and methods of use

Intelligent energy networks, known as Smart Grids, provide the possibility of more effective management of energy consumption by combining traditional networks with innovative diagnostic systems. These technologies introduce revolutionary changes in how energy consumption is transmitted and monitored, offering numerous benefits for industry and the environment. How do smart energy networks work, where are they used, and what challenges do they present?

How to obtain funds from the Polish National Recovery Plan (KPO)?

The National Recovery Plan (KPO) is a strategic document that plays a key role in rebuilding the Polish economy after the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on modernization towards green transformation, digitalization, and innovation. The program, financed mainly from EU funds, offers a significant opportunity for Polish entrepreneurs, especially those operating in the industrial sector, to invest in energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, digitalization, and innovative technologies. Find out how to obtain funds from the KPO, what its budget and application assessment criteria are, and who has the best chance of receiving support.

Can the President of URE refuse to issue white certificates?

Entrepreneurs planning investments to improve energy efficiency often wonder whether, despite their implementation, the President of the Energy Regulatory Office may refuse to issue energy efficiency certificates (so-called "white certificates"). In other words, when investing, often considerable amounts in a given energy-saving project, does the entrepreneur have a guarantee of obtaining white certificates, which they will then be able to sell on the Polish Power Exchange? These concerns are justified because, unfortunately, in practice, there may be situations in which the President of the Energy Regulatory Office refuses to grant white certificates.

National Recovery Plan - industry has a chance to receive support

The National Recovery Plan (KPO) is an element of the EU's economic recovery strategy after the COVID-19 pandemic. Its main goal is to support digital and ecological transformation, which can also benefit Polish entrepreneurs, including representatives of the industrial sector. In this article, we will explain how the KPO can influence the development of industrial companies and what investments can be made under it, with particular emphasis on energy efficiency and the transformation towards zero emissions.

Who is affected by ESG reporting and what does it involve?

The modern industrial market cannot ignore the growing demands for environmental and social responsibility. Companies must respond to the changing expectations of investors, customers, and legal regulators. One of the key tools that helps industrial companies demonstrate their commitment to sustainable development is ESG reporting. What is an ESG report, who is required to prepare it, and what benefits can it bring to companies? You will find answers to these questions in our article.

Cogeneration bonus – what is it and who can apply for it?

The cogeneration bonus is a form of financial support available to entities that build new or modernize existing units generating energy in combination (simultaneous generation of electricity and heat within a single technological process). Its aim is to promote and stimulate the development of modern energy technologies that contribute to the reduction of CO₂ emissions.

Energy efficiency audit vs. corporate energy audit

Energy audits are essential for companies seeking to increase energy efficiency, especially in sectors with high energy consumption. For industrial companies that use significant amounts of energy, these audits not only enable savings but also serve as a tool to obtain various forms of financial support, such as energy efficiency certificates, commonly known as white certificates. In this article, we will compare the energy efficiency audit and the corporate energy audit, highlighting their main differences and importance.

Decarbonization – what is it and what does it involve?

Decarbonization is becoming an increasingly prominent element in the strategies of major corporations and government policies. In response to growing climate challenges and stricter environmental regulations, companies—especially those in energy-intensive industries—must address the need to reduce CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions. But what exactly does decarbonization entail? What technologies and regulations drive its adoption? And what benefits can companies gain from implementing it? In this article, we explore why decarbonization is not just about meeting legal requirements, but also a critical factor in sustainable development and securing a competitive advantage.

Industry 5.0 - characteristics and technologies

Industry 5.0 is the next era of industrial development that goes beyond the previous framework of Industry 4.0. It is based on the implementation of new technologies and concepts that transform the functioning of manufacturing companies. The key difference between the two models is the role of humans in the production process. While Industry 4.0 focused on automation, digitalization, and machine integration, Industry 5.0 returns humans to a central role, emphasizing the cooperation of people with technology and the individualization of production.

Heat recovery from compressors

Compressor systems are commonly used in various industrial sectors such as production, processing and refrigeration, generating large amounts of waste heat. Thanks to appropriate technological solutions, this heat can be effectively recovered and reused in production processes.

Penalty of the President of the Energy Regulatory Office for failure to conduct an energy a udit of the company

In this entry from the series "Green Transformation in Polish Law," attorney Maciej Stępień discusses the topic of penalties that may be imposed on entrepreneurs by the President of the Polish Energy Regulatory Office (URE) for failing to conduct an energy audit of the company. The discussion is structured in a Q&A format, addressing key aspects of this regulatory obligation.

Reactive energy – what is it and how to solve the problem of its consumption

In large enterprises, where every kilowatt-hour of energy is valuable, energy efficiency management is one of the most important activities in achieving sustainable development and competitive advantage, especially in energy-intensive industries. One of the most significant, although often underestimated, aspects is reactive energy. Understanding this concept and effectively managing it can bring significant financial and operational benefits to industrial companies.

Cooling Production from Waste Heat

The production of cooling from waste heat through the absorption process is an advanced technology that revolutionizes energy management in industry. It integrates the production of electricity, heat, and cooling from a single source, which not only increases energy efficiency but also reduces operating costs and minimizes environmental impact. This technology, also used in extended cogeneration—known as trigeneration—allows for maximum efficiency with a relatively short payback period.

Heat Recovery Technologies

Heat recovery is a technology that allows the reuse of heat energy that would normally be lost in various industrial processes. This not only significantly reduces energy consumption but also lowers CO₂ emissions, which is important in the context of increasingly stringent environmental regulations. In this article, we will present heat recovery methods, their types, and how the installation of such systems has affected savings in our clients' plants.

PPA and cPPA: key to energy efficiency and emission reduction

Today, companies around the world are facing the consequences of fluctuating energy prices. These fluctuations increase operating costs, make long-term planning more difficult, and reduce competitiveness in the market. One solution that can help address these challenges is power purchase agreements, known as PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements) and cPPAs (Corporate Power Purchase Agreements). In this article, we will provide a detailed explanation of what these agreements are, how they differ from each other, who can benefit from them, and what their advantages and disadvantages are.

ESCO - a way to green transformation with zero own contribution

Inefficient infrastructure and limited investment budgets are two main problems that large and medium-sized industrial enterprises in Poland constantly struggle with. The managers of these companies must find solutions that will bring immediate savings and ensure long-term efficiency. In this context, the ESCO financing model emerges—a method of financing in which the client implements the investment project without engaging their own funds.

What is cogeneration and why is it worth implementing in your company?

Cogeneration, also known as combined heat and power (CHP), is an effective solution that enables the simultaneous production of electricity and useful heat in a single process. This approach significantly increases energy efficiency in industrial companies, reduces CO2 emissions, and lowers operating costs. Let's explore its types, along with the most important advantages and disadvantages.

ISO 50001 Company Standard – Energy Management System

The ISO 50001 standard is primarily aimed at organizations with high energy consumption, such as companies in the industrial, development, or transport sectors, and regulates effective energy management. It translates into real savings and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. In this article, we will take a closer look at it, the requirements it places on companies, and the benefits it brings.

How to reduce electricity bills in your company?

Rising energy costs are a concern for every business owner. With rising electricity costs and pressure to increase energy efficiency, plant modernization is becoming a key element of the operational cost management strategy. One of the most affordable solutions is replacing lighting systems, which also brings quick savings and can increase employee productivity by up to 3%.

Lighting audit in industrial facilities

Increasing energy efficiency requirements and the need to comply with legal regulations mean that lighting audits in industrial facilities have become an important element of energy management strategies. In this article, we will look at the technical and specialist aspects of this process, such as legal regulations, audit scope, measurement methods, benefits and implementation of recommendations.

Energy efficiency – what is it and can it be achieved?

Rising energy prices and growing requirements for sustainable development are making energy efficiency a key element of the strategy of large industrial companies. It is not only about reducing energy costs, but also about ensuring optimal performance of the machinery park. We will analyze what energy efficiency is and how comprehensive implementation of energy-saving investments can support its achievement.

Is thermal modernization enough to reduce energy consumption in an industrial plant?

While thermal modernization is often promoted as a key tool for reducing energy consumption, is it enough to provide a company with a competitive advantage in the face of new regulatory and market challenges?

Calculating your carbon footprint

Growing environmental awareness and increasingly stringent legal regulations have made calculating and reducing carbon footprints a key element of business strategies for industrial companies. For technical specialists, understanding the process of calculating carbon footprints can be crucial to effectively managing this challenge.

How to get a white certificate step by step?

The white certificate enables obtaining additional funds for modernizations improving energy efficiency. Its purpose is to encourage entrepreneurs to implement projects aimed at improving energy efficiency. Such actions allow to reduce the amount of energy bills and take care of a positive image of the company, and after their implementation, you can count on additional funds in the form of sold certificates. We explain how to obtain an energy efficiency certificate step-by-step.

White certificate – what is it and how does it work?

Not every company knows that by implementing actions improving energy efficiency, it can obtain additional funds. In addition to subsidies for various technological solutions, there are also separate financial instruments awarded based on the amount of energy saved – these are white certificates. Such certificates are intended to encourage entrepreneurs to implement energy-saving projects. White Certificates or energy efficiency certificates – what are they and why is it worth applying for them?

Is an energy audit mandatory for a company?

A company's energy audit is a special set of analyses that allows you to identify areas where it is possible to reduce energy consumption in an industrial plant. For some companies, it is a mandatory audit that should be carried out once every four years. This audit includes a series of calculations and the development of the most interesting and cost-effective actions to improve energy efficiency that can be implemented in a given company. This is the basic step and the most important pillar of a zero-emission strategy.

Company data

DB ENERGY SA
Al. Armii Krajowej 45
50-541 Wrocław

NIP: 894 299 53 75
REGON: 021249140

Contact

+48 71 337 13 25 biuro@dbenergy.plfor general purposes sprzedaz@dbenergy.plfor commercial purposes

In 2014 the R&D department started to work in our company. We design solutions to improve energy efficiency in industry.

On 22 June 2016, DB Energy signed an agreement with the National Centre for Research and Development to co-finance R&D work for a project called "Development of an innovative drive diagnostics system (DiagSys) based on electrical signal measurements characteristic of mechanical damage to rotating machine components, together with a specialized analyzer of machine operating status and efficiency (APPS 3)".

The project is financed under the Intelligent Development Operational Programme 2014-2020, under sub-measure 1.1.1. "Industrial research and development work carried out by enterprises". No. of the competition: 1/1.1.1/2015. Value of the project 5 974 021.85 PLN. Value of co-financing 3,727,676.11 PLN.

The aim is to develop a system for the diagnosis of rotating machines (DiagSys system), which will be based on the use of power measurements and on-line access to an expert database.