Abstract
The steel sector is crucial for the national economy of Poland and the global economy. In response to the challenges of the global steel market and the need to increase the sector’s competitiveness, a number of actions have been taken to increase the energy efficiency of steel production. Based on the synthesis of the literature and our own research, we describe the issues related to energy efficiency and the Industry 4.0 concept. The main aim of this paper is to identify energy efficiency trends in enterprises, especially those that focus on increasing the energy efficiency of production processes, and to make recommendations for investment policy for the Polish steel sector in the era of Industry 4.0. To achieve our goals and answer the research question, we used data from 2000–2019 for the Polish steel industry. The calculations and models in this paper were made by using Gretl software. Using direct research, an econometric model was built that verified the hypothesis regarding the relationship between investment in new technologies and the energy efficiency of steel production. Future investment policies should take the implementation of Industry 4.0 tools in the steel sector into account, which, according to the authors, will measurably improve energy efficiency.
Highlights
The Polish steel sector is one of the most modern in Europe, it requires support to ensure its international competitiveness and sustainable development
The results of this study confirm the hypothesis that there is a link between investment in new technologies and energy efficiency in steel production
On the basis of the research carried out, it can be concluded that a further increase in investment in the steel sector will result in a reduction in energy consumption per tonne of steel produced
Summary
The Polish steel sector is one of the most modern in Europe, it requires support to ensure its international competitiveness and sustainable development. One of the key challenges of the modern global economy is to reduce environmental pollution and save limited natural resources. More and more industries are trying to use energy more efficiently. This is due to market pressure, public awareness of the need for sustainable development of the economy, rising energy costs and environmental vulnerability. Energy efficiency is one of the most important and cost-effective means by which industry can reduce its greenhouse gas emissions for sustainable development and lower its production costs [1,2]. There is a need for changes in production processes and for economical technologies and production processes that are aimed at the efficient use of natural resources and energy. Excessive energy consumption in production processes is one of the key reasons for environmental pollution, including CO2 emissions
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