How can we facilitate the introduction of energy management systems (EnMS)?

Panel: 3. Energy use in industry: The road from policy to action

This is a peer-reviewed paper.

Author:
Jonas Mey, Abado GmbH - Jonas Mey Energy Consulting - Jonas Mey Energy Consulting, Germany

Abstract

This paper deals with the requirements for energy management systems to be effective without imposing a threshold that would deter too many companies. International experience of programs to enhance the market penetration of energy management systems is analyzed. Time and effort necessary for the implementation of an EnMS is compared to the potential benefits and costs of such an instrument from the perspective of a medium sized and a small factory. Finally the author describes an approach he has developed in his consulting practice.

Key findings are that public support for the introduction of EnMS is necessary but it should not lead to a situation where pro-forma certificates are generated just to get the fiscal or regulatory benefits. A detail analysis of the energy structures, periodical forecasts and reviews of energy consumption should be obligatory. On the other hand the threshold should not be too high. Requirements for certification of the management systems should be less demanding for smaller companies. A dividing line could be an energy consumption of about 10 GWh or energy costs of one million Euros per year. With higher energy costs, the typical savings of about 10 % will pay for metering equipment and the personnel to process the data and run the management system. Below this, the overhead costs might be too high compared to the expected savings.

In order to make energy management also attractive to smaller or less energy intensive companies, Abado GmbH offers a solution that does not necessarily require online measurements, but makes use of estimations and field measurements. With this approach an energy management system can already be beneficial for companies with an energy consumption starting at 500 MWh or 50 000 € per year. We are currently looking for European partners to make this service available in additional countries and combine it with new elements to facilitate the introduction of EnMS in larger companies as well as SME.