Decarbonization of industry: Implementation of energy performance indicators for successful energy management practices in kraft pulp mills

Elias Andersson,Henric Dernegård,Magnus Wallén,Patrik Thollander

doi:10.1016/j.egyr.2021.03.009

Elias Andersson, Henric Dernegård + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2021.03.009

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Abstract

Energy management is the most prominent means of improving energy efficiency, and improved energy efficiency constitutes the cornerstone in decarbonization. For successful industrial energy management, defining accurate energy performance indicators (EnPIs) is essential. Energy-intensive industries have previously been found to have an improvement potential regarding the current monitoring of EnPIs, especially at process level. While general models for developing and implementing EnPIs exist, manufacturing industries are diverse in terms of their production processes, which is why industry-tailored models for EnPI development are needed. One major outcome of this paper is a unique model specifically tailored for kraft pulp mills. The model derives from a practice-based approach for EnPI development, building on real-life experiences from a Swedish group of companies. This paper’s developed model, and the validation of the EnPIs, further increase the understanding of the kraft pulp industry’s processes and how to apply descriptive and explanatory indicators. The developed model can potentially be generalized to other sectors.

Highlights

Improved industrial energy efficiency is necessary in order to achieve energy targets, and is recognized as being important by the IPCC (2014) and the EU (EEFIG, 2015)
The aim of this paper is to present a model for the development and implementation of energy performance indicators (EnPIs) for in-house energy management in a kraft pulp mill
The following benefits of a common categorization of processes were highlighted by the workshop participants: First, it enables a standardized way of working with data collection and data management

Summary

Introduction

Improved industrial energy efficiency is necessary in order to achieve energy targets, and is recognized as being important by the IPCC (2014) and the EU (EEFIG, 2015). In the EU, the Energy Efficiency Directive (2012/27/EU) requires the member states to achieve an increase in energy efficiency of 20% (European Commission, 2012). This target has been updated to 32.5% by 2030 (European Commission, 2018). As part of fulfilling the requirements in Sweden, the Act on Energy Audits in Large Enterprises (EKL) entered into force in 2014 (SEA, 2019). According to EKL, large enterprises must carry out an energy audit every fourth year and this must be performed by a certified energy auditor. If a company has implemented an energy management system certified to ISO 50001, it is possible to conduct the energy audit in-house given that other requirements are met. Assuming a large international uptake of ISO 50001 in industrial organizations, considerable energy saving potentials and a reduction in CO2 emissions can be achieved (McKane et al, 2017)

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