Production Characteristics Research Articles

Neutrosophic X-bar EWMA control chart: a novel framework for addressing uncertainty in statistical process control

ABSTRACT Control charts are widely used statistical tools for monitoring process quality, even when data is imprecise or uncertain. Traditional approaches, however, often struggle to adequately represent the ambiguity present in such data. This research introduces a novel X-bar exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) control chart based on Neutrosophic Random Variables (NRVs) – an extension of classical stochastic variables that incorporates degrees of truth, indeterminacy, and falsity. Unlike conventional probabilistic or fuzzy models, NRVs provide a more comprehensive framework for representing uncertainty, especially when faced with incomplete, inconsistent, or ambiguous information. Monte Carlo simulations were employed to generate normally distributed random data, facilitating the evaluation of the proposed chart’s performance under various process shift scenarios. Key neutrosophic measures were implemented to enhance the assessment of chart efficacy. A comparative analysis between the proposed neutrosophic X-bar EWMA chart and its traditional counterpart was conducted using average run length (ARL) metrics. Results demonstrate that the proposed chart offers greater adaptability and improved sensitivity in detecting process shifts, particularly in environments characterized by uncertain or indeterminate data. The practical utility of this approach is further illustrated through a real-world application involving quality characteristics in glass production.

GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS YIELD OF HELMETED GUINEA FOWL (NUMIDA MELEAGRIS) MALE KEETS RAISED IN DIFFERENT HOUSING SYSTEMS OF A TROPICAL ENVIRONMENT

This study evaluated the growth performance and carcass yield of male helmeted guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) keets raised under three housing systems: deep litter, battery cage, and deep litter, which run in a tropical environment. The objective was to assess the influence of housing on bird productivity and carcass characteristics to inform best practices for sustainable guinea fowl production. Two hundred sixteen eight-week-old male keets were randomly distributed across the housing systems in a Completely Randomized Design, with feed and water provided ad libitum for 16 weeks. Growth performance was measured weekly, while carcass and gastrointestinal traits were evaluated post-slaughter. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and significant means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at a 5% significance level. Results showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in feed intake and some carcass parameters among housing systems. Deep litter with run birds exhibited a superior dressing percentage (74.25%) and higher ether extract content in thigh meat (5.02%). In contrast, battery cage birds showed higher drumstick meat percentage and crude protein levels. The housing system significantly influenced oesophagus length and selected gastrointestinal segments. It is concluded that deep litter with run offers a favourable environment for improved carcass traits and may enhance nutrient deposition in meat, suggesting it is a viable system in tropical settings. These findings contribute to the knowledge of guinea fowl production and recommend further investigation into the interactive effects of housing and environmental variables on performance outcomes.

Combined application of biochar and PGPR alleviates Cd stress in wheat by improving antioxidant defense mechanism and crop physiology

Soil heavy metals toxicity is an emerging threat for ecosystem and environment; therefore a greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of corn stalk (CSBC) and farmyard manure biochar (FYMBC) coupled with the seed inoculation of Bacillus cereus (PGPR1) and Pseudomonas frederiksbergensis (PGPR2) strains under Cd stress on wheat production, antioxidants, osmoprotectants and soil biochemical characteristics. Overall, results of the study revealed that Cd pollution significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the plant growth by accumulating in plant tissues. However, the combined application of FYMBC+PGPR2 notably improved plant physiology and yield attributes. Moreover, wheat chlorophyll a (15.27%), b (16.39), total chlorophyll (15.96), photosynthetic rate (22.29), stomatal conductance (13.52) and transpiration rate (12.21) significantly increased under FYMBC+PGPR2 treatment. Similarly, a significant improvement was also observed in plant osmoprotectants and antioxidants activity, whilst Cd uptake in roots and shoots decreased up to 39.37 and 55.32% under respectively FYMBC+PGPR2 amendment. Additionally, soil nutrients including total N (565.61), available P (42.15) and K (19.78) along with PLFA (49.78) and bacterial CUE (63%) also showed efficiency under the integrated application of FYMBC+PGPR2. Inclusively, these findings provide a sustainable solution for the bioremediation of Cd in agricultural soil by improving soil and plant health.

Spatiotemporal dynamics and driving mechanisms of total factor carbon productivity in China's provincial transportation sector

Enhancing transportation total-factor carbon productivity constitutes a critical initiative for high-quality economic development across Chinese provinces. Based on panel data from 30 Chinese provinces spanning 2007–2022, this study comprehensively employs the Super-Efficiency Slack-Based Measure (SBM) model, non-parametric kernel density estimation, standard deviational ellipse, and global Moran's I index to analyze the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of Total Factor Carbon Productivity in Transportation (TFCP-T) across provinces. Finally, a spatial Durbin model is utilized to empirically investigate influencing factors. Key findings include: (1) China's provincial TFCP-T exhibits an overall fluctuating upward trend, yet reveals a distinct spatiotemporal differentiation pattern characterized by “high efficiency and intensification in the eastern region versus gradient lag in the central and western regions.” (2) Significant spatial positive correlation and club convergence effects exist in China's transportation green total factor productivity, with western provinces facing risks of low-level lock-in. (3) Economic development level, openness to foreign trade, environmental protection intensity, and industrial structure upgrading positively promote TFCP-T, while consumption level and informatization level exert significant inhibitory effects. These results provide critical policy insights for enhancing transportation carbon productivity and fostering regional coordinated development in China.

Effects of Solidification Microstructures and Alkaline Solution Temperatures on Hydrogen Production from an Iron‐Contaminated Al–5wt%Zn Alloy

A promising approach to produce hydrogen without pollutant emissions consists of water‐splitting reactions occurring during the corrosion of Al‐based alloys in alkaline environment. However, the effects of microstructural features under varying thermal conditions on hydrogen production performance are not fully understood. This study investigates the combined influence of microstructural refinement and temperature on hydrogen production characteristics of an Al–5Zn–0.5Fe (wt%) alloy immersed in a 1 mol sodium hydroxide solution. Samples are then extracted from different relative positions within the solidified casting and subjected to hydrogen release tests at 30, 40, and 50 °C for 120 min. The results reveal that the reaction rate is strongly influenced by temperature, as described by the Arrhenius equation, allowing the calculation of the activation energy. Coarser microstructures are found to enhance hydrogen production over shorter periods compared to refined ones. This behavior persists with temperature increases in alkaline medium, leading to faster hydrogen production. Between primary dendritic arm spacings (λ1) of 39.1 and 78.2 μm, the achieved hydrogen production increases by 105.8, 44.1, and 57.6% at the temperatures of 30, 40, and 50 °C, respectively. Total hydrogen production increases by 49.6% between temperatures 30 and 40 °C and 78.6% between 30 and 50 °C.

Buffaloes in South America: A Promising and Sustainable Source of Dairy Proteins and Agro‐Industrial Development

ABSTRACTBuffalo (Bubalus bubalis) production offers a promising and sustainable solution to meet the growing demand for food. Particularly, buffalo milk constitutes a valuable source of high‐quality proteins with outstanding technological potential. This review highlights the opportunities of the buffalo dairy value chain as a strategic and sustainable agro‐industrial alternative in South America, emphasizing its contributions to food security, socio‐economic development, and environmentally responsible production. The buffalo's biological and productive characteristics that support its convenience over traditionally farmed livestock (e.g., Bos taurus or Bos indicus) are discussed. Buffaloes' adaptive traits allow them to thrive in marginal environments under extensive farming practices through sustainable production systems. Their high efficiency in converting low‐quality forage and agro‐industrial by‐products into high‐nutritional animal protein, along with their environmental and economic benefits, are examined. Furthermore, the nutritional composition of buffalo milk and current knowledge on its health‐promoting properties, with a special emphasis on its protein fraction, are thoroughly reviewed. The physicochemical properties of buffalo milk make it suitable for producing derivatives with high yield, existing in a wide range of products yet to be explored. This review discusses the potential of the buffalo dairy industry, focusing on the development of innovative food products and value‐added by‐products. In particular, this review presents available information on buffalo whey and its proteins. It also covers recent advances in their molecular properties, recovery methods, and promising applications.

Assessment of Genetic Variability and Heritability in Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) Genotypes

The present study was undertaken to assess genetic variability and divergence among 42 genotypes sourced from AICRP on Rapeseed and Mustard, ZARS, Morena of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) under field conditions at the Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Morena, Madhya Pradesh, during Rabi 2020–21. The experimental was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications, twelve agronomic traits were evaluated, including phenological, morphological, and yield-related characters. The results revealed that significant genotypic differences were observed for all traits, highlighting substantial variability within the studied genotypes. Notably, genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation were moderate to high for key traits such as secondary branches per plant (23.709 and 23.758, respectively), seed yield per plant (15.846 and 15.857, respectively), test weight (15.539 and 15.635, respectively), and siliqua length (11.198 and 15.582, respectively). High heritability (&gt;60%) coupled with high genetic advance was recorded for several traits, including seed yield per plant (99.85%, 32.61%, respectively), indicating the predominance of additive gene action and scope for effective selection. Traits such as plant height, test weight, number of secondary branches, and siliqua length also exhibited promising genetic parameters. These findings suggest that seed yield and its contributing traits could serve as reliable selection indices in mustard breeding programs, providing valuable insights for the development of improved cultivars with higher productivity and desirable agronomic characteristics.

Research on the Thermal Decomposition Characteristics of PE Outer Sheath of High-Voltage Cables Under Different Humidity Levels

Gas sensors can provide early warning of fires by detecting pyrolysis gas components in the sheaths of high-voltage cables. However, air humidity significantly affects the thermal decomposition gas production characteristics of the outer sheath of high-voltage cables, which in turn affects the accuracy of this warning method. In this paper, the thermal decomposition and gas production characteristics of the polyethylene (PE) outer jacket of high-voltage cables under different air humidities (20–100%) are studied, and the corresponding density functional theory (DFT) simulation calculations are performed using Gaussian 09W software. The results show that with the increase in humidity, the thermal decomposition gas yield of the PE outer jacket of high-voltage cables exhibits a decreasing trend. Under high-humidity conditions (≥68.28%RH), the generation of certain thermal decomposition gases is significantly reduced or even ceases. Meanwhile, the influence of moisture on the thermal decomposition characteristics of PE was analyzed at the micro level through simulation, indicating that the H-free radicals generated by moisture promote the initial decomposition of PE, but the subsequent combination of hydroxyl groups with terminal chain C forms a relatively stable alkoxy structure, increasing the activation energy of the reaction (by up to 44.7 kJ/mol) and thus inhibiting the generation of small-molecule gases. An experimental foundation is laid for the final construction of a fire warning method for high-voltage cables based on the information of thermal decomposition gas of the outer sheath.

The variations in the spontaneous combustion characteristics of coal during primary and secondary oxidation under varying particle sizes

The coal spontaneous combustion (CSC) in the goaf of a coal mine poses a significant safety hazard. This study investigates the gas production characteristics, apparent activation energy, and limiting parameters of coal samples with varying particle sizes during the low-temperature oxidation stage under both primary and secondary oxidation conditions through a temperature-programmed experiment. The results indicate that smaller particle size leads to higher rates of O2 consumption, CO generation, and heat release intensity in coal samples; The O2 consumption rate, CO generation rate, and heat release intensity during the secondary oxidation of coal samples are relatively high in the initial stage of the experiment. However, in the later stage of the experiment, there is a reversal in these parameters; the selection of the most appropriate model from the 22 commonly observed reaction kinetics mechanism functions revealed that the apparent activation energy of the coal sample decreases during secondary oxidation compared to primary oxidation within the temperature range of 80℃ to 130℃. However, a reversal occurs between temperatures of 140℃ and 170℃, indicating that secondary oxidation initially enhances the low-temperature oxidation characteristics but weakens them in later stages; The various particle sizes under both primary and secondary oxidation conditions significantly influence the limit parameters of CSC, with secondary oxidation being more prone to inducing SC of coal in goaf compared to primary oxidation.

Data-driven multidimensional static-dynamic models for the prediction of coalbed methane performance based on numerical models

The accurate prediction of coalbed methane (CBM) is often challenged by geological conditions, engineering technologies, and data gaps. However, with an interdisciplinary field application of intelligent algorithms, data-driven models can effectively predict its productivity characteristics. Here, this work develops data-driven models to predict CBM static and dynamic productivity. Based on the regression relationships of static datasets, models are developed based on intelligent algorithms including multiple linear regression, random forest, support vector regression, and gradient boosting regression (GBR). Due to the temporal variations and nonlinearity of dynamic datasets, models based on recurrent neural network, long short-term memory (LSTM), and gated recurrent unit (GRU) have been developed. The results show that GBR demonstrates the best performance according to the evaluation metrics. In importance permutation, GBR prioritizes matrix porosity, hydraulic fracture intrinsic permeability and fracture permeability, and these three parameters account for nearly 90% of its contributions. Both LSTM and GRU demonstrate strong prediction capabilities in dynamic productivity. Moreover, data-driven models require substantially less time computing. LSTM possesses stronger prediction performance than GRU in the gas adsorption mass and reservoir pressure field evolution. In conclusion, this work provides a multidimensional prediction and evaluation system for the productivity prediction of unconventional resources.

Simulating stepwise depressurization production of natural gas hydrate using a three-dimensional test system

In the three-dimensional scale, the gas hydrate reservoir can be more accurately simulated, and on this basis, the stepwise depressurization production characteristics study can provide a scientific basis for improving the efficiency and controllability of gas hydrate production. This study used a three-dimensional gas hydrate production simulation device to conduct stepwise depressurization production tests with a single horizontal well in three-dimensional scale. The results were compared with two-dimensional tests to investigate the effects of reservoir scale and stepwise depressurization on hydrate production characteristics and efficiency. The results showed that in the early stage of depressurization, free gas production dominated, and the pressure change rate was easy to control. However, in the middle and late stages, hydrate decomposition led to more complex pressure changes. Compared to the two-dimensional tests, the Joule–Thomson effect had a more significant impact on temperature changes in the three-dimensional tests, making temperature stratification more noticeable than pressure stratification. The cumulative gas production in the three-dimensional tests was only 7.2 times that of the two-dimensional tests, which may be attributed to the combined effects of reservoir heterogeneity, low heat transfer efficiency, complex gas migration pathways, and dynamic changes in pore structures, all of which reflect the inherent complexity of hydrate production in realistic geological conditions, characterized by nonlinear production behavior and strong coupling among thermal, hydraulic, mechanical, and chemical fields. The average gas production rate changed in stages over time, with higher rates during depressurization and lower rates during constant pressure. Unlike the two-dimensional tests, the gas production capacity gradually weakened in the three-dimensional tests, aligning more closely with real-world conditions. The peak gas production rate showed a sequential change trend throughout the test, reflecting the system's dynamic behavior.

Experimental investigation of the impact of gas generated via coal oxidation in the upstream coal goaf on the subsequent residual coal oxidation process

For large-scale goaf with a continuous air leakage flow field, it is imperative to elucidate the influences of the upstream airflow after coal oxidation on the downstream O2 consumption, heat release. In this paper, the temperature rise, O2 consumption, gas production, and heat release characteristics of coal along the direction of the airflow are analyzed in an experimental study on coal oxidation conducted in a 900 mm long coal sample tank utilizing program-controlled heating. The results suggest that as the temperature of the coal increases to 70–120 °C, there is a minimal difference in the O2 consumption rate between the inflow and middle sections, and this rate is significantly lower compared to that in the outflow section. After the temperature of the coal surpasses 120 °C, the O2 consumption and heat release in the inflow section reach their peak values. In contrast, at the same temperature, both the O2 consumption and heat release in the middle section exceed those in the outflow section. Moreover, if the O2 concentration of the inflow into the outflow section drops below 14.1%, and the temperature of coal in the outflow section exceeded 120 °C, this leads to a significant decrease in the CO production rate. The O2 consumption and heat release rates in the three sections are influenced by different factors. In the inflow section, the temperature and CO generation play significant roles. The middle section is affected by the incoming O2 concentration, CO production, and temperature. The outflow section is influenced by the incoming O2, CO, and CO2 concentrations and the CO2 generation.

Numerical simulation of CO2 storage with enhanced gas recovery in depleted highly heterogeneous carbonate gas reservoir

Injecting CO2 into depleted gas reservoirs facilitates CO2 storage and enhances natural gas recovery rate (CSEGR), offering significant environmental benefits. Carbonate gas reservoirs are widely distributed globally and are characterized by large reservoir thicknesses, abundant reserves, poor reservoir physical properties, and high heterogeneity. In the depletion state, considerable amounts of natural gas remain in the matrix pores, and numerous natural cavities provide ample space for CO2 storage. Consequently, carbonate gas reservoirs hold great potential for implementing the CSEGR program. To accurately model the flow behavior of CO2 in highly heterogeneous carbonate gas reservoirs and assess the feasibility of implementation the CSEGR program, a three-dimensional numerical model was developed at the reservoir scale using geological data from the fourth section of the Dengying Formation (Deng-4) in the Anyue Gas Field. The study investigates the CH4 production and CO2 storage characteristics of four typical reservoir bodies, tracks the spatial migration of CO2, and explores the effects of CO2 injection rate and interlayer permeability on the CSEGR process. Numerical results show that the cavity-type reservoir is ideal for the CSEGR scheme, with an enhanced gas recovery (EGR) rate exceeding 20%, whereas the fracture-cavity reservoir is unsuitable due to premature CO2 breakthrough caused by natural fractures. The cavity-type reservoir serves as the primary site for CO2 injection and storage, with some CO2 migrating into the pore-type reservoir through interlayer crossflow. For both pore-type and cavity-type reservoirs, the migration distance of the CO2 front is proportional to the square root of the injection time. Lower CO2 injection rates and smaller interlayer permeabilities delay CO2 breakthrough, leading to higher EGR rates. However, reduced injection rates also lower CH4 production rates and extend CO2 injection duration.

The genomic comparison between autochthonous and cosmopolitan cows reveals structural variants involved in environmental adaptation

Copy Number Variants (CNVs) are structural variants affecting genetic diversity and phenotypic variability of populations. Different authors underlined the relevance of CNV in relation to the adaptation to environmental conditions (e.g., altitude, harsh farming environment). Aosta cattle (Aosta Red Pied – ARP; Aosta Black Pied/Chestnut – ABC and Mixed Chestnut-Héren – ACH) farmed in the Aosta Valley, and the Oropa Red Pied (ORO), farmed in the Piedmont region, are autochthonous dual-purpose breeds well adapted to the natural Alpine environment. In contrast, the Holstein (HOL) breed is a specialized dairy breed raised in intensive farming systems, representing an artificial environment. The aim of this study is to use CNVs to characterize these breeds and explore the relationship between structural genomic variability and adaptation to mountain farming systems (natural environment) vs. intensive farming systems (artificial environment). Using the GeneSeek Genomic Profiler Bovine 100K data, a total of 160,798 CNVs were identified across 5,610 individuals. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) using CNV Regions (CNVRs) revealed that Aosta breeds clustered into two separate groups, with one smaller cluster including part of ORO cows, while the Holstein formed a distinct cluster. These results suggest that CNVs may act as markers of adaptive selection, influencing both Aosta and ORO breeds, though to a different extent compared to the intensively farmed HOL breed. A total of 526 CNVRs were identified in at least 2% of the samples. Annotated genes and overlapping QTL were functionally associated with production, functional traits, and health-related characteristics. VST analysis revealed candidate genes linked to environmental adaptation, reproduction, and metabolic efficiency in Aosta, ORO, and HOL cattle. Key findings include TCF12 and SRGAP1 deletions in Aosta, suggesting trade-offs between muscle growth and endurance, while ELF2 and ARID5B gains in Holstein indicate aptitude for milk protein synthesis and feed efficiency. Additionally, reproductive genes (RGS3, GSE1, MARCH10) showed distinct selection pressures between Dual-purpose and Holstein breeds, reflecting adaptation to different production systems.

Effect of wind–wave angle on the power production and wake characteristics of an offshore wind farm at various wave ages

Effect of wind–wave angle on the power production and wake characteristics of an offshore wind farm at various wave ages

Hybrid energy storage solutions through battery-supercapacitor integration in photovoltaic installations

Batteries integrated into renewable energy storage systems may experience multiple irregular charge and discharge cycles due to the variability of photovoltaic energy production characteristics or load fluctuations. This could negatively impact the battery’s longevity and lead to an increase in project costs. This article presents an approach for the sharing of embedded energy between the battery, which serves as the main energy storage system, and the supercapacitors (SC), which act as an auxiliary energy storage system. By delivering or absorbing peak currents according to the load requirements, supercapacitors increase the lifespan of batteries and reduce their stresses. An maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm regulates the connection of the photovoltaic (PV) cells to the DC bus through a boost converter. A buck-boost converter connects supercapacitors and batteries to the DC bus. A DC-AC converter connects the inductive load to the DC bus. The system regulates static converters connected to batteries and supercapacitors based on current. An energy management block supervises the system components. We implement the entire system in the MATLAB/Simulink environment. We present the simulation results to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy for the entire system.

Analysis of production characteristics and engineering measures for deep coalbed methane wells in the Ordos Basin

Given the significant differences in gas accumulation modes, coal reservoir characteristics, and gas preservation conditions for ultra-deep coalbed methane (vertical depth &gt; 3000 m, measured depth &gt; 5000 m), their production characteristics, flowback patterns, and flow phase classifications also vary greatly. Additionally, there are limitations in the production technologies applicable to deep reservoirs. To explore the relationship between the production characteristics of deep coalbed methane and medium-shallow coalbed methane, as well as to investigate suitable technologies for deep coalbed methane, this paper uses Well Q1 as an example and conducts research and analysis based on reservoir engineering theory. It is believed that in the vertical section of Well Q1(The depth is generally less than 3000m), the flow pattern transitions from bubbly flow to slug flow in the early stage, and with reduced water production, it is predicted to transition from transitional flow to annular flow in the later stage. In the inclined section (The depth is generally between 3000 and 4000m), slug flow predominates most of the time, while in the horizontal section (The depth is generally greater than 4000m), the flow evolves from elongated bubble flow to slug flow in the early stage, from elongated bubble flow to stratified smooth flow in the middle stage, and remains in the stratified smooth flow zone in the later stage. Furthermore, it is proposed that the insertion depth of Well Q1 should be correlated with the well deviation angle, gas production rate, and water production rate. From the perspective of gas-water ratio optimisation and energy efficiency, there should be an optimal timing for tubing insertion.

Effects of compost enriched with horn, bone and hoof powder on tomato (Solanum lycopersicon L.) yield and soil chemical characteristics in organic production in Burkina Faso

Objectives: To evaluate composts enriched with horn, bone and hoof powder on tomato yield and soil chemical proprieties in Eastern of Burkina Faso. Methodology and results: The study was conducted using a simple block design, with each market gardener plot considered as a repetition, and compared four treatments corresponding to three levels of compost enrichment with the mixture of horn, bone and hoof powder (0%, 15% and 30%) and a control with no compost. Observations were made on the agromorphological parameters of the tomato and chemical parameters of the soil. The results showed an improvement in the organic Carbone, nitrogen and phosphorus content of composts enriched with 15% and 30% of horn, bone and hoof powder compared with the control compost. On tomatoes, the applications of enriched composts at 15% and 30% enrichment resulted an improve of neck diameter of 8% and 15%, height plant from 8% and 10%, the number of tomatoes from 67% and 123% and yields from 26% and 108% respectively compared with the control compost. Applications of enriched composts improved soil organic carbon content by 3% to 77%, nitrogen content by 18% to 64% and total phosphorus content by 30% to 117% compared with control compost. Conclusions and applications of findings: The results obtained revealed value of using slaughterhouse residues in agricultural production systems in order to improve crop yields and soil chemical parameters. The slaughterhouse waste use, in particular horns, bones and hooves, could be an alternative for improving agricultural yields. Key words: Tomato, horn, bone and hoof powder, slaughterhouse waste, enriched composts, soil fertility.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN THE METALLURGICAL INDUSTRY

The aim of the study is to explore the theoretical foundations for improving energy consumption efficiency in the metallurgical industry under the conditions of global climate policy challenges, production transformation, and the need to reduce energy costs. The paper analyzes the main technological processes, the level of energy intensity in the industry, as well as international experience in implementing energy-efficient solutions. The methods. The research is based on an interdisciplinary analysis of scientific sources, industry reports, statistical data, and the techno-economic characteristics of steel production. Methods of comparative analysis of energy consumption for various technological routes and a systematic approach to assessing innovation potential are applied. Findings. It has been established that a significant portion of energy consumption is concentrated in blast furnace–converter processes. The transition to electric arc furnace (EAF) production, the implementation of hydrogen metallurgy, the use of secondary raw materials, and digital technologies (Industry 4.0) open up opportunities for a substantial increase in energy efficiency. Examples of successful modernization at enterprises in various countries are provided The originality. The study systematizes the factors that determine the energy intensity of production processes, reveals the relationship between technological changes and energy consumption structure, and substantiates the need for a comprehensive approach to the transformation of the industry Practical implementation. The results can be used for strategic planning of enterprise modernization, development of energy-saving investment projects, and the formation of national industrial decarbonization policies.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN THE METALLURGICAL SECTOR: CONCEPT AND EVALUATION METRICS

The aim of the study is to provide an analytical synthesis of the theoretical foundations and practical approaches to improving energy consumption efficiency in the metallurgical industry, taking into account modern challenges of climate policy, rising energy prices, the need for decarbonization, and the economic feasibility of production process modernization. The methods. The research is based on an interdisciplinary analysis of scientific publications, international reports, statistical data, and techno-economic characteristics of steel production. Structural-comparative methods of analyzing energy consumption across different technological routes were applied, along with a systematic approach to assessing innovation potential and international benchmarking practices. Findings. The study identifies the main factors contributing to energy intensity in metallurgy and substantiates the technological reserves for improving efficiency, including the transition to electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking, the use of secondary raw materials, waste heat recovery, implementation of cogeneration, digitalization, and hydrogen-based metallurgy. Examples of successful modernization and national support programs from leading countries are also presented. The originality. The paper systematizes current energy efficiency indicators and production routes in steelmaking, characterizes the impact of various technological strategies on integrated energy intensity, and proposes criteria for assessing energy-saving potential at both macro and micro levels. Practical implementation. The results can be used to substantiate enterprise energy strategies, shape industrial decarbonization policies, prepare investment projects, and support the development of national and international programs to improve energy efficiency in the metallurgical sector.