Navigating Energy Cost Challenges with Data-Driven Solutions
Written by Leendert Santens
In an era where energy costs are a critical concern for industries, BrightWolves steps forward with a practical approach aimed at addressing the complex issue of energy consumption. With a firm commitment, BrightWolves presents a comprehensive Energy Reduction plan, structured in three distinct phases, offering a roadmap for companies to tackle escalating energy expenses while embracing sustainable practices.
Addressing a Crucial Challenge: The Energy Cost Conundrum
At the core of this initiative lies the imperative to tackle energy costs, a critical issue for all companies. A case in point is the situation faced by a significant industrial player in the building materials industry, with a global presence, a revenue of around 2.9 billion euros, and 13,500 employees, spread across 45 countries. As the critical gas hedging contract for one of its Belgian manufacturing facilities neared its expiration, the prospect of a steep rise in energy costs was imminent. Driven by this challenge, the client sought a well-defined strategy to navigate these impending cost increases.
BrightWolves' Practical Solution: An Action-Oriented Energy Reduction Plan
BrightWolves introduces an Energy Reduction plan divided into three pragmatic phases, each with a specific focus, aimed at effectively mitigating energy costs.
Phase 1: Energy Cartography with In-Depth Sensitivity Analysis
The first phase involves a meticulous examination of energy generation, consumption, and efficiency. BrightWolves' expert team delves into the data to identify energy-, and thus cost-intensive processes, patterns, inefficiencies, and potential bottlenecks. This phase yields a sensitivity analysis report that pinpoints energy consumption dynamics, seasonal trends, and opportunities for enhanced energy efficiency.
For our client in the manufacturing industry, as referred to in the introduction, the analysis clearly pointed out the two main consumers in the plant: two important process steps were responsible for three quarters of the plant’s energy consumption, i.c. the continuous reactors synthesizing the main raw materials and the industrial drying ovens. It was clear that these processes are the ones we should turn our focus to first.
Phase 2: Swift Gains through Practical Quick-Win Measures
This phase focusses on tangible actions for quick results. Collaborating closely with the client, BrightWolves assesses potential strategies for energy savings, evaluating innovative ideas of quick-win solutions for energy savings. Each measure's potential cost and energy savings are quantified, allowing the client to prioritize initiatives with maximum impact, feasibility, and short payback periods.
In our case in point, some obvious quick-win measures were the cleaning of heat exchangers to optimize performance and the repairing of compressed air leaks to minimize losses. Another important one was identifying thermal energy losses through infrared camera analysis and subsequently eliminating the biggest identified losses through the repairing of hot air and steam leaks, and the installation of additional sealing and thermal insulation.
Phase 3: Paving the Way for Long-term Sustainable Energy Practices
The third and final phase aligns with a long-term vision of sustainability. BrightWolves constructs a Sustainable Energy Roadmap, integrating renewable energy options, technological advancements, and strategic initiatives. This roadmap guides the client toward a future marked by energy efficiency, alternative energy sources and environmental responsibility.
Some of the more strategic initiatives proposed for our client in this case, were the electrification of forklifts, the installation of additional solar panels on roofs or on covered parking areas, and the investigation of the possibility of installing a wind turbine on site in order to increase the consumption of green electricity generated locally and decrease dependency on external, grey electricity. Another long-term initiative was the replacement of the older drying ovens by newer, more efficient installations.
Fostering Collaborative Progress: Guiding the Client's Transformation
The Energy Reduction project is rooted in collaboration. Throughout every phase, the BrightWolves’ experts work at the client site, side-by-side with the client’s team, to ensure seamless interaction. Regular plant visits, both planned or impromptu visits, make the work and progress very tangible. Regular coordination meetings and strategic steering committee sessions between BrightWolves and the client’s management team ensure that both parties keep working towards the common end goal. This collaborative approach facilitates knowledge sharing and empowers the team to collectively drive progress.
Cultivating Change: Empowering Operators and Minimizing Impact
Beyond numerical goals, the project emphasizes a cultural shift. BrightWolves empowers the client’s operators to actively contribute to energy conservation efforts. By identifying energy losses, establishing operator guidelines, and fostering proactive engagement, the project seeks to embed sustainability within the client's organizational ethos.
Embracing Sustainability: BrightWolves' Commitment to a Greener Future
BrightWolves' dedication to sustainability goes beyond theory. Endorsed by the Science Based Targets initiative, the consultancy leads by example in minimizing its own carbon footprint. As the Energy Reduction project unfolds, BrightWolves' actions mirror its values, exemplifying environmentally conscious practices.
Towards a Brighter Future: Navigating Energy Efficiency Challenges
In the complex landscape of energy management, BrightWolves' Energy Reduction plan emerges as a pragmatic guide. With data-informed strategies, action-oriented phases, and a keen focus on sustainability, BrightWolves offers a pathway for industries to navigate energy challenges. By blending efficiency and environmental consciousness, this initiative paves the way for a future where responsible energy consumption and business success harmoniously coexist.
Do you want to know more about how to prepare for CSRD? Or are you already working on this but want to discuss a systematic approach leveraging data and sustainability expertise?
Please reach out to Peter-Jan or Jens Verhiest.