Huge potential not yet exploited
Saving energy and using energy more efficiently are two main factors involved in creating a sustainable energy supply for the future. This can be achieved by integrating energy-saving products and solutions in buildings, industry and, transportation. Even household appliances offer opportunities for improving efficiency. Modern smart home appliances use less than half as much energy as appliances from the 1990s. The potential is still far from fully exploited.
Optimizing energy consumption with building management systems
Up to 40 per cent of the energy used worldwide are consumed for and in buildings. The good news is that a continuous energy optimization process can dramatically reduce energy consumptions in buildings by more than one third. Intelligent building technology makes a substantial contribution to enhancing energy efficiency and comfort and convenience in buildings, thus also improving both the productivity of the building users and the competitiveness of companies. To optimize that, it is vital that all systems and components are finely tuned with one another.
Energy-efficient transportation with electric vehicles and hybrid buses
The future of transportation lies in electromobility. Electric motors, whether in buses, trains, electric cars or even planes, are around three times more efficient than internal combustion engines. CO2 emissions can be reduced to almost zero when using power generated by renewable technologies. Electric vehicles can also be integrated as part of a smart grid: their on board batteries can serve as buffers while connected to the grid.
Saving energy in industry
On average, energy costs account for 10% of all production costs. In energy-intensive industries such as steel, chemicals or pharmaceuticals, the percentage is even higher. Here, energy alone accounts for up to 40% of the production costs. Changing energy markets and energy politics further increase regulation and cost pressures on industry. As a result, there is a great deal of potential for energy savings. Energy can also be saved in energy-intensive businesses. The energy demand of Arvedi ESP-plants for steel production, for example, is significantly lower compared to conventional power plants.
