Process, Controls & Plant Focus on: Compressed Air 20 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk August/September 2025 As energy costs and carbon pressures rise, compressed air systems are gaining attention. PWE spoke to Richard Hewitt, Managing Director, Anglian Compressors, who explains how businesses can cut waste, save money, and rethink this often-overlooked utility. How compressed air is quietly shaping energy strategies Compressed air systems are often referred to as the “fourth utility” in industrial environments, essential but easily taken for granted. Yet for many businesses, they are also one of the least efficient systems on site. As energy prices fluctuate and environmental regulations tighten, compressed air is increasingly being seen not just as a cost centre, but as an area of opportunity. Richard Hewitt, Managing Director of Anglian Compressors, reflects on how attitudes are shifting and where businesses can find the greatest gains. From utility to strategy “When I joined Anglian Compressors in 2005, compressed air wasn’t really viewed through the lens of sustainability,” says Hewitt. “It was just a function something you needed to run machines. That’s changed dramatically.” Part of that change, he notes, has been driven by the rising cost of energy. Another part is growing scrutiny on Scope 1 and 2 emissions. “Compressed air can account for up to 10% of a site’s electricity use. Yet many systems are running inefficiently through air leaks, oversized machines, or pressure levels set higher than required.” Anglian’s role, Hewitt says, is increasingly about helping customers interrogate those systems. “We’re not just swapping out old compressors for new ones. We’re looking at how air is used across the site and what changes will deliver the most value.” A systems approach to efficiency A recent example involved a large-scale food producer operating across multiple sites. Their existing system, 16 individual compressors, had become increasingly difficult to manage and costly to operate. “By redesigning the system and introducing
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