Navigating energy intensity and energy efficiency in manufacturing
-By Insa Errey In advanced manufacturing, the concepts of energy intensity and energy efficiency play crucial roles in influencing both operational costs and emissions profile. While both terms are interconnected, they represent distinct parts of energy management. Understanding these dynamics is crucial as businesses seek to balance production demands with the imperative of sustainable energy use. Energy Intensity in Manufacturing: A Measure of Production Impact Energy intensity is a measure of the energy consumed per unit of output, such as the energy required to produce a certain quantity of goods. Typically expressed in terms of energy units per unit of physical output. Energy intensity provides insight into the overall energy consumption patterns within a manufacturing facility. High energy intensity in manufacturing suggests that significant energy resources are being used to manufacture a product. High energy intensive processes may use a disproportionate amount of energy to achieve their production goals, signalling inefficiencies that can impact both costs and emissions. On the other hand, low energy intensity indicates a more efficient use of energy resources. Trending this even monthly will enable visibility of process operations, signalling if processes are running differently and have shifted. Energy Efficiency: Improving Manufacturing Practices Energy efficiency, on the other hand, focuses on optimising the utilisation of energy inputs to maximise output. It is the ratio of useful energy out to the total energy in. In manufacturing, energy efficiency measures the effectiveness of processes in converting energy resources into final products, emphasizing the opportunities to reduce loss and waste. Energy efficiency in manufacturing involves optimising processes and technologies to minimise energy consumption while maintaining or enhancing productivity. Improving energy efficiency in this context includes adopting advanced machinery, implementing effective energy management systems, and embracing best practices. Often invest is required such as conducting energy audits, energy transition plans […]