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

In today's dynamic business world, every decision made by companies can have significant consequences for the natural environment and the competitiveness of a given company. In the context of growing pressure to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, especially in the industrial sector, issues related to energy efficiency are becoming crucial.

According to the 2023 report of the International Energy Agency (IEA), industry and the construction sector are responsible for about 40% of global energy consumption, often coming from fossil fuels that generate CO2 emissions. Analysis conducted by experts from the consulting company McKinsey & Company indicates that only 30% of industrial companies apply comprehensive strategies related to energy efficiency. This is a signal that there is significant potential for improvement that cannot be ignored.

In taking effective action to reduce energy losses and CO2 emissions, it is crucial to understand that energy efficiency requires an engineering and technical approach. In addition to thermal modernization, there are several other, often more cost-effective steps that companies can take to optimize their energy consumption and reduce CO2 emissions.

How to act effectively?

First, optimization of production processes is an important element in achieving energy efficiency. Research conducted by consulting companies such as Accenture indicates that effective management of production processes can result in significant energy savings, reaching up to 20-30%. Implementation of advanced technologies such as process automation or intelligent energy management systems can additionally increase these savings. It is also worth remembering that the production process is most often the main energy absorber of a company, and changes made around it will be the most financially profitable.

Secondly, implementing energy monitoring systems allows companies to identify areas of energy waste and take effective corrective action. Companies that have installed such systems often observe significant reductions in energy consumption already in the first year of their operation - according to data collected by EnergySage, companies that have installed energy monitoring systems observed an average of 5-10% or even 20% lower energy consumption already in the first year of its operation. Thanks to regular data analysis, companies identify areas of energy loss and take effective corrective actions.

Thirdly, the use of renewable energy sources is becoming increasingly economically profitable. According to a report by Greenpeace and the Global Wind Energy Council, the electricity costs generated from wind or solar photovoltaic panels are already competitive with traditional energy sources. Investments in photovoltaic or wind installations can bring long-term savings and reduce the negative impact on the environment. However, effective management of energy from these sources and appropriate energy resources of the plant are key.

Finally, innovations play a key role in the pursuit of greater energy efficiency. New technologies, such as energy storage batteries or micro-grid management, can bring additional benefits in terms of reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Companies must be ready to adapt new solutions and take investment risks in order to achieve a competitive advantage.

In the context of these activities, it is also worth referring to initiatives such as "Fit for 55", promoting energy efficiency among companies. These programs offer financial and advisory support for companies that take action to improve energy efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions.

In summary, although thermal modernization is a significant step in improving energy efficiency, it is not enough in itself for a company to achieve true competitiveness. A holistic engineering and technical approach is necessary, taking into account both monitoring and optimization, as well as the use of renewable energy sources and continuous improvement of production processes.

• The facts are clear: reports from international organisations clearly show that the industrial and construction sectors generate significant amounts of CO2 emissions. Despite this, only a small percentage of companies apply comprehensive energy efficiency strategies. This indicates the potential for improvement that cannot be ignored.
• Optimisation of production processes: energy efficiency is not limited to building insulation. Optimisation of production processes brings significant savings, often higher and more beneficial than those resulting from thermal modernisation. The implementation of advanced technologies can additionally reduce energy consumption.
• The key issue is a comprehensive engineering approach: we often focus only on the technical aspects of thermal modernisation, but it is equally important to properly manage, optimise and extend the scope of thermal modernisation to ventilation systems and various energy sources. The introduction of energy monitoring systems can bring immediate benefits, allowing waste to be identified and effective corrective measures to be taken.
• Renewable energy sources are cost-effective: there is no doubt that renewable energy sources are economically competitive. Investments in photovoltaics bring long-term savings and reduce the negative impact on the environment. They are particularly beneficial in energy systems that are optimal for companies, allowing the use of the energy produced.
• Innovation as an opportunity: companies must be ready to adopt new technologies. Programs such as "Fit for 55" offer support to companies taking innovative actions in the field of energy efficiency.