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Global goals and targets Similarly, the U.S. Department of for companies to adopt energy-effi cient One of the most effective ways to Furthermore, the optimization of
The global push towards sustain- Energy’s (DOE) Advanced Manufac- technologies. These incentives can take optimize energy use is through the energy use in the chemical industry is
ability is underscored by ambitious turing Offi ce (AMO) supports the deve- the form of tax breaks, grants, or subsi- implementation of advanced process closely linked to the implementation
targets set by international bodies such lopment and deployment of energy- dies, making it more fi nancially viable control (APC) systems. APC systems use of continuous improvement programs.
as the European Union (EU) and the effi cient technologies in manufactur- for companies to invest in energy-saving real-time data from sensors and control These programs involve regularly
United Nations (UN). The EU, for ing. Through initiatives like the Better measures. By taking advantage of these systems to dynamically adjust process reviewing and analyzing energy con-
instance, has committed to reducing Plants program, the DOE works with incentives, chemical companies can variables, ensuring that operations sumption data, identifying areas for
greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by manufacturers to set ambitious energy accelerate their energy effi ciency are always running at optimal condi- improvement, and implementing changes
2030 and aims for climate neutrality by effi ciency goals, track progress, and initiatives and achieve greater cost tions. By integrating energy effi ciency to enhance energy effi ciency. By foster-
2050(2). These goals are supported by share best practices across the indus- savings in the long term. into these systems, chemical plants ing a culture of continuous improve-
comprehensive regulatory frameworks a multi-faceted approach. This includes try. This collaborative approach helps can achieve signifi cant energy savings ment, chemical companies can ensure
such as the European Green Deal and adopting cutting-edge technologies, companies achieve signifi cant energy National policies also encourage without compromising product quality that energy optimization remains a prio-
the Fit for 55 package, which mandate improving operational processes, and savings while also reducing greenhouse the adoption of best practices in energy or production rates. rity and that opportunities for energy
signifi cant improvements in energy fostering a culture of sustainability gas emissions and improving competi- management, such as implementing savings are consistently identifi ed and
effi ciency across all sectors, including within the organization. By doing so, tiveness. Energy Management Systems (EnMS) For example, in distillation processes, acted upon.
the chemical industry, as part of the the chemicals industry can not only based on ISO 50001 standards. These which are among the most energy-
broader strategy to achieve climate contribute to global efforts to combat In Europe, the Energy Effi ciency systems help companies systemati- intensive operations in the chemical The role of Distributed Control Systems
goals(3). climate change but also secure a strong Directive sets binding measures for cally improve their energy performance industry, APC systems can be used to in energy effi ciency
position in an increasingly competitive member states to achieve a 32.5% im- by establishing policies, setting tar- optimize the temperature and pressure Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
The UN’s Sustainable Develop- and environmentally aware market. provement in energy effi ciency by 2030(7). gets, and monitoring energy use. The conditions, reducing energy consump- are central to the operation of modern
ment Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 7 This directive requires companies in widespread adoption of EnMS can tion by up to 10-15%(8). Similarly, chemical plants. These systems provide
(Affordable and Clean Energy) and In addition, global goals are driv- energy-intensive sectors, including signifi cantly enhance the energy effi - in reaction processes, precise control the real-time control and automation
Goal 13 (Climate Action), emphasize ing the chemicals industry to explore chemicals, to conduct regular energy ciency of the chemical industry, con- of reaction conditions can minimize necessary to manage complex pro-
the critical role of energy effi ciency in circular economy principles, where audits and implement the recommended tributing to national and global climate energy use while maximizing yield cesses with precision. In the context of
achieving a sustainable energy future(4). waste products are recycled and reused, measures. These audits provide a sys- goals. and product quality. energy effi ciency, DCS, such as ABB’s
The UN Framework Convention on further reducing the industry’s environ- tematic approach to identifying energy- System 800xA, play a pivotal role by
Climate Change (UNFCCC) further mental impact. This shift towards a cir- saving opportunities and ensuring that Optimizing energy use in the chemical Another key strategy for optimizing optimizing the use of energy resources
encourages member states to incorpo- cular economy is not only aligned with companies are taking full advantage of industry energy use is the adoption of energy- throughout the plant. By continuously
rate energy effi ciency measures into sustainability goals but also opens new the latest technologies and practices. Optimizing energy use is one of effi cient equipment and technologies. monitoring process variables and
their Nationally Determined Contribu- business opportunities for chemicals the most signifi cant contributions the Advances in heat exchanger design, for adjusting operating conditions, a DCS
tions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement(5). companies to innovate and develop For the chemicals industry, these chemicals industry can make to the instance, have led to the development ensures that energy is used as effi ciently
sustainable products and processes. national regulations present both chal- global energy transition. Chemical pro- of high-effi ciency units that can recover as possible, reducing waste and lower-
For the chemical industry, these lenges and opportunities. Compliance duction processes, from raw material more waste heat and reduce the overall ing costs.
global goals and targets necessitate National regulations and policies with these regulations is not just a extraction to product manufacturing, energy consumption of chemical pro-
strategic investments in energy-effi cient At the national level, governments legal requirement but also a strategic are energy-intensive and require precise cesses. Similarly, the use of variable DCS technology allows for the
technologies and practices. Companies worldwide are implementing regula- opportunity to improve effi ciency and control over various parameters such as speed drives in pumps and compressors integration of energy management
that align their operations with these tions to promote energy effi ciency in competitiveness. By adopting energy- temperature, pressure, and fl ow rates. can lead to signifi cant energy savings strategies into everyday operations. For
international objectives are better posi- the industrial sector. These regulations effi cient technologies and practices, the The energy consumed in these pro- by adjusting the equipment’s operating example, a DCS can be programmed to
tioned to meet regulatory requirements, are designed not only to reduce energy industry can reduce operational costs, cesses not only represents a signifi cant speed to match the process require- adjust production schedules based on
reduce operational costs, and enhance consumption but also to drive innova- enhance resilience to energy price vola- cost but also contributes to the ments. energy availability, such as prioritizing
their market competitiveness(6). tion and enhance industrial competi- tility, and improve overall competitive- industry’s carbon footprint. operations during off-peak hours when
tiveness. For example, India’s Perform, ness. In addition to technological solu- energy costs are lower. This level of
Furthermore, by demonstrating a Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme aims To address these challenges, chemi- tions, process improvements can also automation not only enhances energy
commitment to sustainability, these to reduce specifi c energy consump- The Harvard Business Review cal companies are increasingly focus- play a crucial role in optimizing energy effi ciency but also improves the overall
companies can attract environmentally tion in energy-intensive industries by stated that companies that proactively ing on energy optimization strategies. use. For example, by adopting best economic performance of the plant.
conscious investors and customers, creating a market for tradable energy- invest in energy effi ciency are better These strategies involve a combina- practices in process design and opera-
enhancing their corporate reputation saving certifi cates. This market-based positioned to anticipate and adapt to tion of technological innovations, pro- tion, such as minimizing energy losses Moreover, DCS enable the seamless
and ensuring long-term viability. approach provides fi nancial incentives future regulatory changes, ensuring cess improvements, and best practices through better insulation and reducing integration of renewable energy sources
for companies that exceed their energy long-term sustainability and success. aimed at reducing energy consumption idle times, chemical companies can into the plant’s energy mix. As chemi-
The integration of these global effi ciency targets, encouraging continu- In addition to regulatory compliance, while maintaining or improving pro- achieve signifi cant energy savings with cals plants increasingly adopt renew-
goals into corporate strategies involves ous improvement and innovation. national policies often include incentives duction effi ciency. minimal capital investment. able energy, the ability to balance these

198 Chemical Weekly December 3, 2024 Chemical Weekly December 3, 2024 199

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