Roadmaps: a new guide to energy efficiency opportunities – experiences from the Dutch metallurgical and glass industry

Panel: 1. Programmes to promote industrial energy efficiency

This is a peer-reviewed paper.

Author:
Leon Wijshoff, NL Agency, The Netherlands

Abstract

Since the 1990’s the Netherlands the Industrial energy policy is implemented by means of Long Term Agreements (LTA) with industry. First a focus was on energy efficiency in the production process and later . energy efficiency in the production chain was added. In 2008, the government challenged the LTA participants to develop roadmaps aiming at 50 % energy efficiency improvement in 2030. Roadmaps shoudl have a strategic vision and indicate which technological and non-technological issues need to be tackled to enable this improvement.

To support the development of the roadmaps guidelines and external consultantcy was provided. The first step was a pre-study to develop a common vision and their ambition. Sectors with a substantial potential and sufficient commitment received Governmental budget for the roadmap development.

The launch of these Roadmaps coincided with the 1st economic dip in Europe. Many companies struggled for survival. Despite this difficult period many managers went for the challenge to identify new opportunities for the medium and longer term.

This paper will focus on the metallurgical/foundries sector and the glass Industry. Two energy intensive sectors with their own characteristics. Despite their differences these sectors have in common that they have a high percentage of recycling.

The metallurgical and foundries industry developed a roadmap with focus on the production processes, the material chain, the production chain and education. Their potential savings could be more than 50 % of their actual energy consumption.

The Dutch glass industry faced a competitor and investment decision issue, as part of international companies. Their focus will be on optimisation of production processes, strengthening sustainability of the product chain and improving their innovation power. The sector expects a 20-40% improvement.

The roadmaps provided a lot of new opportunities for energy efficiency and gave a more positive towards the future.