Electrical energy is used to drive equipment, for example motors that may in turn be running pumps, compressors, conveyors, etc. Electricity can also be used to run processes directly, for example an electric arc furnace for steel making.
Heat is used in both low and high temperature processes. High temperature processes may include those in the manufacture of glass or metals. Low temperature processes, for example baking or drying paper, often transfer heat as steam or hot air. A range of fuels are used across both high and low temperature processes to generate heat, for example fuel oil, natural gas, diesel, kerosene and LPG.
There are three main areas where opportunities exist to reduce carbon emissions in industry:
Product strategy
- Using particular raw materials more than others
- Altering the product mix
- Reducing energy in the supply chain
Processes
- Intelligent scheduling to reduce standby time and changeovers
- Novel process configuration
Equipment
- Upgrades to higher efficiency models
- Novel approaches
Many of the high-energy-use items of equipment are used across a range of industries. For example, motors and drives, refrigerators, lighting and air compressors. Similarly, some opportunities to save energy with process improvements can be applied across a wide range of different industries, in particular heat recovery and process control improvements.
Many industries use the majority of their energy directly to manufacture a product, as opposed to peripheral services such as heating and lighting. Consequently it can be difficult to identify opportunities except through an in-depth understanding of energy flows in the manufacturing process.
The Carbon Trust is working with a number of industry sectors to develop this understanding and build the business case for innovation in process control and the uptake of low-carbon technologies.
Sector specific advice on reducing energy is available.
Certain items of energy efficient plant and machinery may be eligible for tax relief through the Enhanced Capital Allowances scheme.
Interest-free loans are available for energy saving equipment.
See also information on policy and regulation related to industial energy use.