Abstract
In the 21st century, it is becoming increasingly clear that human activities and the activities of enterprises affect the environment. Therefore, it is important to learn about the methods in which companies minimize the negative effects of their activities. The article presents the steps taken and innovative actions carried out by enterprises in the energy sector. The article analyzes innovative activities undertaken and implemented by enterprises from the energy sector. The relationships between innovative strategies, including, inter alia, digitization, and Industry 4.0 solutions, in the development of companies and the achieved results concerning sustainable development and environmental impact. Digitization has far exceeded traditional productivity improvement ranges of 3–5% per year, with a clear cost improvement potential of well above 25%. Enterprises on a large scale make attempts to increase energy efficiency by implementing the state-of-the-art innovative technical and technological solutions, which increase reliability and durability (material and mechanical engineering). Digitization of energy companies allows them to reduce operating costs and increases efficiency. With digital advances, the useful life of an energy plant can be increased up to 30%. Advanced technologies, blockchain, and the use of intelligent networks enables the activation of prosumers in the electricity market. Reducing energy consumption in industry and at the same time increasing energy efficiency for which the European Union is fighting in the clean air package for all Europeans have a positive impact on environmental protection, sustainable development, and the implementation of the decarbonization program.
Highlights
The management of enterprises in the energy sector is currently focused on several essential activities, namely the digitization of the sector [1,2] and its development toward zero emissions and sustainable development [3]
Desk research has shown that the latest technical and IT solutions such as blockchain and digital twins enable the implementation of a low- or zero-emission economy, e.g., by creating virtual power plants and using a greater share of renewable energy sources and greater activity of prosumers in the energy mix
The future of the energy system is a multifaceted path leading to a low-carbon or zero-carbon economy
Summary
The management of enterprises in the energy sector is currently focused on several essential activities, namely the digitization of the sector [1,2] and its development toward zero emissions (decarbonization) and sustainable development [3]. If the enterprise has the ability to react in advance (the so-called anticipatory adaptation [4,5]) and use various flexible processes and integration with high-tech systems, it has the potential to create a digital enterprise. Such an enterprise would be based on virtual reality and integrated solutions from the world of automation and robotization. Many solutions are already implemented in some sectors, e.g., the aviation industry (engines in airplanes), but for power plants, these are innovative solutions. Digital twins are in the initial stage of application in nuclear power; we will classify them as relative innovations
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