ENERGY EFFICIENCY n returns. The technologies exist – the key is recognising the economic and environmental gains and rolling them out at scale. Untapped potential Heavy industries stand to benefit significantly from efficiency improvements because they represent a large portion of total energy consumption. Electric motors account for more than 45% of global electricity usage, but often rely on old, inefficient technologies. If we were to replace them with today’s highestefficiency motors, global electricity consumption could fall by up to 10% – equivalent to the electricity used by around 300 million homes. With rising concerns over energy affordability, energy security, and industrial competitiveness, Europe cannot afford to overlook such opportunities. While renewable energy technologies have advanced considerably, challenges still remain, including grid bottlenecks and fluctuating supplies caused by unpredictable weather. Combine these obstacles with increased heating, transportation and manufacturing loads, and we risk burdening an already overworked system with additional demand. While the progress of renewables is undoubtedly transformative and must continue, achieving Europe’s 2030 and 2050 targets requires energy efficiency to move firmly from the periphery to centre stage – with immediate effect. Efficiency in practice Europe’s largest copper producer, Aurubis, recently implemented significant energy efficiency measures at its Pirdop plant in Bulgaria. The company replaced more than 450 outdated motors with IE4 SuperPremium and IE5 Ultra-Premium efficiency machines from ABB, and installed more than 300 variable-speed drives (VSDs). It is expected that these measures will achieve a 28% reduction in the plant’s energy consumption, equivalent to annual savings of about 25GWh – enough to power more than 6,000 European homes. Environmentally, the lower energy consumption means reducing emissions by 12,000 tonnes of CO2 per year – comparable to taking around 2,600 cars off the road. Municipal infrastructures are not exempt from the positive impact of energy efficiency. In Kulmbach, Germany, an inlet pump at the city’s central sewage treatment plant has been upgraded with a high-efficiency (IE5) ABB SynRM motor and an ACQ580 drive. Operating around the clock, this is delivering energy savings of 7– 10%. The upgrade demonstrates how municipalities can manage rising energy costs better, while ontributing directly to local and national decarbonisation targets. According to the IEA, we need to double the current global energy efficiency improvement rate by 2030 if we want to achieve net-zero by 2050. These efficiency gains are not aspirations for the future – they are achievable today. For businesses, pursuing energy efficiency is more than just a sustainability requirement. It’s a strategic means of cutting costs and boosting competitive advantage in today’s high-cost environment. With expertise, technology, and an economic imperative already firmly in place – both in Europe and globally – all that remains is our determination to act. n Features Include: Energy Demand Display/Setti In Excess of 300 Communicat OPC UA Server PLC Web Browser t ng tion Drivers i SQL Query Database Server Event Bar Chart WebView sales@lamonde. Q
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