Abstract
The two major reasons behind the world’s energy crisis are losses in energy transmission and less efficient energy use at sinks. The former flaw can be catered by changing the entire energy transmission system which requires investment and planning on a large scale, whereas the later deficiency can be overcome through proper management of energy utilizing systems. Energy-intensive industries have a substantial share in energy consumption and equally high energy saving potentials if they adopt some integrated and improved energy efficiency. This study investigates the energy management systems in the iron and steel sector of Pakistan, and compare it with findings of similar work in Sweden, Bangladesh, and Ghana. A systematic questionnaire was circulated in the iron and steel sector across the country and afterward the collected data was analyzed to find major barriers and drivers for efficient energy management practices. In addition, questions on non-energy benefits and information sources relevant to the energy efficiency were also part of the questionnaire. Cost reduction resulting from lowered energy use was rated as the most important driver for applying energy-efficient operation. On the other hand, the cost of production disruption was considered among high-level barriers to the implementation of improved energy efficiency. An increase in the life-time of equipment was labeled as the top non-energy benefits. Company peers and seminars/conferences were referred as the best information sources related to energy efficiency. The outcome of the study will be helpful to the decision-maker in the industry, as well as the government levels.
Highlights
Pakistan has been facing severe energy crisis for the last one and a half decades that have badly affected every walk of life the economic growth [1,2]
Following barriers “lack of sub-metering”, “cost of identifying opportunities for effective usage”, “uncertain regarding the company future”, “energy manager lacks in influence”, “access to capital”, “cost of staff replacement, retirement, retraining”, “lack of staff awareness”, “slim organization”, “low priority given to energy management” and “poor information of energy management” towards effective usage of energy were considered of moderate level
“uncertain regarding the company future” link up with “energy manager lack influence”, “lack of staff awareness”, “low priority given to energy management” and “poor information of energy efficiency opportunities”
Summary
Pakistan has been facing severe energy crisis for the last one and a half decades that have badly affected every walk of life the economic growth [1,2]. Energy-intensive industries get a large share as an energy-using sector in Pakistan [4]. Energy conservation opportunities in Pakistan are estimated to be 5 billion USD per year with a share of 25% for industry, 20% for agriculture, 20% for transport, and 30% for buildings [5]. Energy saving in the industrial sector can be realized if some integrated energy management and improved energy efficiency are adopted [6,7,8]. Like the other developing countries, the energy management practices in energy-intensive industries in Pakistan are mostly based on manual calculations and are not fully robust and integrated. A substantial amount of energy is lost which causes damage to the national economy, wastage of national resources, and adversely affects the environment
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