Harnessing potential energy saving in the French industry

Panel: 3. Matching policies and drivers: Policies and Directives to drive industrial efficiency

This is a peer-reviewed paper.

Authors:
Antoine Bonduelle, E&E Consultant SARL, France
Métivier Simon, E&E Consultant, France

Abstract

Industry in France can improve its energy efficiency by 30% in 2020 compared with 2008, with potentially 42% in the later decades. By 2020 20% of heat use can be saved economically, and up to 46% in the long term... As for electricity, economic potentials are12% with later savings of 49% . As for CO2 emissions, gains of 30% in 2020 compared to 2008 (-40% from 1990) are achievable, and longer term potential is over 76% with the same industry structure.

The study, sponsored by WWF-France, shows a much higher potential than often suggested by industry groups. In France, about 700 units in heavy industries represent over 80% of energy consumption. They have important margins in their processes, either for incremental change in the short term, or radical innovation later. The rest of industry has many potential gains, mainly with regards to electricity use, in cross-sectoral uses such as motors, lighting, pumps, compressed air, ventilators...

For large firms, the difficulties in realizing potential stem from the low cost of carbon quotas and electricity prices, and from focus on energy supply in French public policy. For small and medium firms, data is poor, as is the availability of equipment and engineering. There is also a lack of policy focus on the potentials for electricity efficiency in general industries. The calculation of projections for industry production could also be improved by widening access and participation so as to avoid overestimations.