Energy Upgrade Research Articles

Design of dissipative and elastic high-strength exoskeleton solutions for sustainable seismic upgrades of existing RC buildings

Almost 40% of the European building stock is in need of major energy, structural, and architectural upgrades and is responsible for a significant impact on the environment. Recent research has thus highlighted the need for a new sustainable approach for upgrading existing buildings which are technically sound while fostering safety and environmental, social, and economic sustainability.In this paper, a new method for the design of alternative solutions for a sustainable seismic upgrade of existing RC buildings is proposed. New principles for the design of sustainable and feasible structural solutions are first defined and translated into qualitative criteria and quantitative design target demand parameters to be used in a first pre-screening of possible interventions and in a following multi-objective Performance Based Design (PBD) method. A 4-step procedure for the design of alternative dissipative and high-strength exoskeletons is then presented, which enables the design of solutions leading to equivalent seismic performances of the retrofitted buildings. The proposed method is finally applied to a typical post-WWII RC building, and merits and shortcomings of dissipative and high-strength solutions are discussed. It is found that the proposed approach is capable of enforcing sustainability-driven criteria effectively for all the proposed solutions.

A model to support the decision-making in urban regeneration

Urban regeneration represents an opportunity for sustainable development and smart growth of towns. The European best practices of urban regeneration demonstrate its effectiveness to valorize obsolete existing buildings, through integrated design of energy and structural upgrade. In countries of southern Europe, characterized by medium to high seismic risk, programs of urban regeneration, would make it possible to reduce buildings vulnerability, through seismic upgrade/retrofit interventions, or alternatively, through demolition and reconstruction interventions, when the previous ones do not allow the improvement of seismic performance of building structures in order to ensure adequate levels of safety. The research work sets out a real case for a possible process of urban regeneration, of a residential neighborhood located in the city of Matera, through demolition of existing buildings and then their reconstruction in the same volume size or, eventually, increased in relation to the premiums of volume required by current regulations. The process involves three different categories of stakeholders: residents, public sector and private investor responsible for executing and financing of the entire processing. Each of them with different and contrasting needs. At the end of the process, the new surfaces should be redistributed between residents and private investor. These shares, with the volumetric premium, constitute the unknown variables of the problem and, their possible combinations represent the different possible options of intervention. The problem is solved through the construction of the model based on the objective functions, expressed by utility functions, defined for each stakeholder. The search for the optimum solution, which is able to balance the different utilities, is carried out with Multi-objective linear programming.

Occupant-based energy upgrades selection for Canadian residential buildings based on field energy data and calibrated simulations

Occupant behavior in residential buildings has a direct impact on the effectiveness of energy-saving measures. In order to realize a buildings’ carbon mitigation targets, the impact of individual occupancy profiles needs to be integrated with building simulation models. This paper introduces a decision support framework as a potential solution to make energy performance upgrade choices based on different occupancy profiles. This framework has been demonstrated through a case study of two single-family detached homes in Canada, which were highly instrumented with sensors for monitoring energy input and output. The case studies represented two common occupancy profiles-(1) a family of four (consisting of 2 working adults and 2 teenagers); and (2) a retired couple. Firstly, calibrated energy models were developed by using one-year energy use data collected through an intrusive load monitoring technique. Secondly, energy upgrade combinations were considered for each profile and tested for additional investment, payback period and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Lastly, the most suitable combination of energy upgrade for each profile was ranked using a multi-criteria decision-making method (e.g., TOPSIS). Results indicated that the retired couple used more energy than the family of four and required energy upgrades with usually higher payback periods to achieve the same level of GHG emission reduction. The results of this research are timely for energy policymaking and developing best management practices, which need to be implemented along with the deployment of more stringent building standards and codes.

A comparative meta-analysis of residential green building policies and their impact on overall energy consumption patterns

Data shows residential energy consumption constituting a significant portion of the overall energy end use in the European Union (EU), ranging between 15% and 30%. Furthermore, the EU’s dependency on foreign fossil fuel-based energy imports has been steadily increasing since 1993, constituting approximately 60% of its primary energy. This paper provides an analytical re-view of diverse residential building/energy policies in targeted EU countries, to shed insight on the impact of such policies and measures on energy use and efficiency trends. Accordingly, the adoption of robust residential green and energy efficient building policies in the EU has increased in the past decade. Moreover, data from EU energy efficiency and consumption databases attributes 44% of total energy savings since 2000 to energy upgrades and improvements within the residential sector. Consequently, many EU countries and organizations are continuously evaluating residential building energy consumption patterns to increase the sec-tor’s overall energy performance. To that end, energy efficiency gains in EU households were measured at 1% in 2000 compared to 27.8% in 2016, a 2600% increase. Accordingly, 36 policies have been implemented successfully since 1991 across the EU targeting improvements in residential energy efficiency and reductions in energy use. Moreover, the adoption of National Energy Efficiency Actions Plans (NEEACP) across the EU have been a major driver of energy savings and energy efficiency. Most energy efficiency plans have followed a holistic multi-dimensional approach targeting the following areas, legislative actions, financial incentives, fiscal tax exemptions, and public education and awareness programs and campaigns. These measures and policy instruments have cumulatively generated significant energy savings and measurable improvements in energy performance across the EU since their inception. As a result, EU residential energy consumption trends show a consistent decrease over the past decade. The purpose of this analysis is to explore, examine, and compare the various green building and energy-related policies in the EU, highlighting some of the more robust and progressive aspects of such policies. The paper will also analyze the multiple policies and guidelines across targeted European nations. Lastly, the study will assess the status of green residential building policies in Lebanon, drawing from the comprehensive European measures, in order to recommend a comprehensive set of guidelines to advance energy policies and building practices in the country. Keywords: Building Policies; Residential Energy Patterns; Residential Energy Consumption; Energy Savings

Working on Buildings’ Energy Performance Upgrade in Mediterranean Climate

This article aims to present the results from studies on the energy performance upgrade of buildings and facilities located in Crete, Greece, in a typical Mediterranean climate. In Mediterranean islands, the most buildings remain uninsulated, classified in C or even lower energy performance rank. In this article four reference buildings and one sports facility are investigated: a residential building, a municipality building, a school building, a museum and the Pancretan Stadium. Detailed calculations based on the computational simulation of each examined facility were executed, giving accurate results on the heating and cooling loads, both for the existing conditions and after the integration of the proposed passive measures. Thorough dimensioning and energy calculations have been executed for specific active energy systems too, particularly proposed for each examined case. With this parametric approach, the article indicates the effect and the economic efficiency of the proposed active or passive measures for each examined facility, expressed with specific key performance indicators. The common conclusion for all investigated cases is the huge margin for energy saving, which can reach 65% with regard to the existing annual consumptions. The payback period of the introduced energy upgrade measures can be as low as 15 years.

Decarbonising real estate

PurposeAbout 27 per cent of the total UK carbon emissions are attributed to residential buildings; therefore, improvements to the energy efficiency of the stock offers great potential. There are three main ways to achieve this. First is a mandatory approach, minimum energy efficiency standards are set and applied to new and existing buildings. Option 2 is voluntary, using energy ratings that classify performance to stimulate awareness and action. Third, financial measures, incentives and taxes, are applied to “nudge” behaviours. Most westernised countries have adopted a combination of Options 2 and 3, with the belief that the market will incentivize efficient properties. The belief is voluntary measures will stimulate demand, leading to value premiums. This paper aims to seek a deeper understanding of the relationship between energy efficiency and the value of residential property in Europe and, by so doing, to determine whether stronger policies are required to realise decarbonisation.Design/methodology/approachThis paper reviews the current academic literature and large-scale quantitative studies conducted in Europe, mostly using hedonic pricing analysis to seek a relationship between energy performance certificates (EPCs) and either capital or rental values. It compares these to the reported findings of three case study projects that take a variety of different research approaches, all of which have the ambition to understand market behaviours and stimulate occupier or/and owner demand for energy efficient buildings.FindingsThe large-scale academic study results generally show a positive relationship between observed market prices and EPCs, which are commonly taken as surrogates for efficiency; however, outcomes are variable. One large study found energy upgrades may increase value, but not to the point where costs outweigh the value gain. Other studies found high returns on investment in energy efficiency technologies. The case study projects, however, revealed a more nuanced set of arguments in terms of the relationship between energy efficiency and market behaviours. Whilst there is some evidence that energy efficiency is beginning to impact on value, it is small compared to other value drivers; other drivers, including health, well-being and private sector finance deals, may prove more powerful market drivers. Further, the empirical findings reported point towards the emergence of a “brown” discount being more likely to be the long-term trend than a green premium. It is concluded that the current levels of action are unlikely to deliver the levels of decarbonisation urgently needed.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a desktop study of other European studies that may have collected data on slightly different variables.Practical implicationsThis study shows that more action is required to realise decarbonisation in new and existing residential property in the European states considered. The sector offers potential for substantial reductions, and other mandatory approaches need to be considered.Originality/valueThis is a timely review of the current outcomes of European programmes (EPCs) adopted in several countries to increase energy efficiency in the residential sector through a voluntary mechanism. The results show that more action is needed.

Energy, carbon, and cost analysis of rural housing retrofit in different climates

A large portion of rural residential buildings in developing countries neglecting climate and the low construction quality has resulted in high-energy consumption in this sector. Besides, low economic power and awareness make it difficult to invest in energy upgrades in rural areas. Therefore, low-cost energy retrofit strategies are required to reduce energy levels and improve occupants living conditions while minimizing adverse environmental effects. This study aims to define optimum retrofit strategies for rural buildings based on their economic viability, environmental impact, and comfort benefits in the form of a multi-criteria decision support tool for retrofit projects in four represented climates of Iran.Three groups of retrofit strategies (architectural, constructional, and renewable) are modelled in four actual rural buildings in different climates. Environmental, economic, and comfort performance of each strategy is calculated via different indices by dynamic simulations. Energy consumption, carbon emission and cost (ECC) analysis are carried out. Different active and passive retrofit measures are evaluated via ECC.The main result of this study is a multi-criteria decision making tool for prioritizing retrofitting strategies in rural houses in different climates. According to results, the primary energy demand is reduced between 46 and 55%, the carbon emission is reduced between 40 and 51%, and thermal comfort levels are improved up to 23% in different climate zones.In line with the current market prices of Iran (high construction costs and low energy prices due to energy subsidies), the payback time for retrofit actions is not very appealing for the building owners. Thus, subsidizing should be dedicated to refurbishment strategies instead of energy. Also, widespread governmental supported programs should be administrated to educate and improve awareness, especially in low-income areas.

Energy apportionment approach to incentivize environmental improvement investments in the chemical industry

Energy intensive processing industries, such as the chemical industry, face barriers when justifying clean energy investments because costs of implementation for environmental impact reductions are too high relative to the perceived benefit. One way to lower the barrier for environmental investments within these industries is to create the business case with specialty products. The problem is that specialty products represent a small fraction of overall production, and clean energy upgrades to the company’s power production are typically shared among all products, diluting the value of the new investment. To incentivize environmental impact reducing investments this study illustrates an energy apportionment approach that concentrates the environmental improvements and costs strategically to the products where the market is willing to pay for the added value. The approach is illustrated via a case of a chemical plant where two types of upgrades (natural gas or solar) are considered according to costs and climate change impact reduction.

Composite “LiCl/MWCNT/PVA” for adsorption thermal battery: Dynamics of methanol sorption

Adsorption thermal storage and transformation (ATST) of low-temperature heat is an energy saving technology towards the efficient use of renewable and waste heat. A solid sorption thermal battery (SSTB) is a promising concept for low-grade heat storage, combined cooling and heating, integrated energy storage and energy upgrade. Current progress in SSTB is related to the selection of advanced adsorbents and cycles which are properly adapted to ATST in various climatic zones. This paper mainly addresses such adaptation for China, Russia, and India which are among the top CO2 emitters and partially for Italy and Portugal. First, climatic data for selected cities of these countries were analyzed to specify adsorbents optimal from the thermodynamic point of view. It was found that an innovative sorbent “LiCl inside Multi-Wall Carbon NanoTubes (MWCNT)” is one of the most promising and universal for SSTB operating in several selected climatic conditions.To further elucidate the composite usability, especially, in cooling/(air conditioning) cycles, the experimental dynamic study of methanol sorption on this sorbent was performed. The study included shaping the LiCl/MWCNT composite as grains using polyvinyl alcohol as a binder, and the measurements of methanol sorption/desorption dynamics under conditions of the selected ATST cycle. The dynamics, studied by a Large Temperature Jump method, revealed the fast ad/desorption that led to high specific power and smaller SSTBs. Hence, the selected composite is a promising candidate for SSTB applications in the climatic zones involved.

Investigation of the possibility of L-band SRF cavities for medium-beta heavy ion multi-charge-state beams

The possibility of 1288 MHz (L-band) SRF elliptical cavity to accelerate heavy ion multi-charge-state (up to 5 charge states) beams is being investigated for accelerating energy higher than 200 MeV/u. This cavity is a potential energy upgrade for heavy ions linac accelerators such as the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) in the United States of America and Rare Isotope Science Project (RISP) in Korea. One of possible disadvantages of the L-band frequency structure is its small longitudinal acceptance. It should be sufficiently large for transporting the ions with the limited beam loss ensuring accelerator hands-on maintenance. The analytic study was performed and it showed a promising result using 1288 MHz cavities. In addition, from beam loss point of view, the study deduced that 1288 MHz linac frequency could be the limit for medium-beta heavy ion up to 5 charge states beam accelerators. This paper is the result of the detailed beam dynamics simulation for the linac performance using TRACK code to confirm the analytic result. The result shows that the longitudinal acceptance is large enough for medium-beta heavy ion with 5 charge state beams.

Energetische upgrading van Nederlandse Wederopbouw flats

Energetische upgrading van Nederlandse Wederopbouw flats

Research on the Principle and Structure of a New Energy Storage Technology Named Vacuum Pipeline Maglev Energy Storage

Except for pumped storage, other existing electric energy storage technologies are difficult to achieve large-capacity energy storage and not easy to simultaneously meet the requirements in terms of site selection, cost, efficiency, and response. For this end, this paper combines the advantages of maglev technology and vacuum technology, proposes a new type of mechanical large-capacity energy storage technology which is vacuum pipeline maglev energy storage. Based on the idea of vacuum pipeline maglev energy storage technology, we have constructed a case system of vacuum pipeline magnetic maglev energy storage technology. The key technical parameters of the energy storage system, such as the maglev train’s weight ratio and speed per hour, the mode of levitation and guidance, the car-track structure, the type and size of the vacuum pipeline, the type of the motor, the process of charging with acceleration, the process of no-load with uniform-speed and the process of generating electricity with deceleration were studied. On this basis, the energy storage capacity and cost of the vacuum pipeline maglev energy storage system were obtained through analysis. By comparing the energy storage capacity and cost of Fengning Pumped Storage Power Station in China, the advantages of vacuum pipeline maglev energy storage technology in economy and technology were verified. Finally, based on the technical characteristics of the vacuum pipeline maglev energy storage system, we analyzed its broad applications in renewable energy power consumption, optimization and upgrade of distribution network structure, urban emergency power supply and pulse power supply.

Improving energy efficiency of kindergartens in Serbia: Challenges and potentials

Kindergartens are probably the very first public buildings we actively use in our lives. Therefore, they can be considered as the physical structures that are providing for the very important educational and social function. Additionally, they can also be considered as the specific learning tool for future generations where they can encounter the ideas of green and energy-efficient buildings. One of the results of the research project ?Energy efficiency in public buildings? has been formulated through the development of Serbian National Typology of Kindergartens which was conceived as a specific tool that can be used for improving this portion of building stock. The paper presents the methodology for identification of typical kindergarten buildings, covering various construction periods, building sizes and illustrates the type of analysis performed for model representatives. The potential for energy upgrades covering physical structure, installed technological systems, as well as expected impact on energy performance, has been estimated. The study presents results based on the analysis of the data derived from the National Typology, stressing out that energy retrofits of large and medium-sized kindergartens built during the 1970s and 1980s should be the primary focus of refurbishment activities. Accounting for almost 60% of total buildings and 69.59% of heated area, they are responsible for 75.97% of energy demands. Estimated energy savings of more than 60% indicate the effectiveness of their retrofit. The paper also presents the potential uses of National Typology as a retrofit tool on various scales, from single-building considerations to a strategic approach at the national level.

Multi-step hydration/dehydration mechanisms of rhombohedral Y2(SO4)3: a candidate material for low-temperature thermochemical heat storage.

To evaluate rhombohedral Y2(SO4)3 as a new potential material for low-temperature thermochemical energy storage, its thermal behavior, phase changes, and hydration/dehydration reaction mechanisms are investigated. Rhombohedral Y2(SO4)3 exhibits reversible hydration/dehydration below 130 °C with relatively small thermal hysteresis (less than 50 °C). The reactions proceed via two reaction steps in approximately 0.02 atm of water vapor pressure, i.e. “high-temperature reaction” at 80–130 °C and “low-temperature reaction” at 30–100 °C. The high-temperature reaction proceeds by water insertion into the rhombohedral Y2(SO4)3 host structure to form rhombohedral Y2(SO4)3·xH2O (x = ∼1). For the low-temperature reaction, rhombohedral Y2(SO4)3·xH2O accommodates additional water molecules (x > 1) and is eventually hydrated to Y2(SO4)3·8H2O (monoclinic) with changes in the host structure. At a water vapor pressure above 0.08 atm, intermediate Y2(SO4)3·3H2O appears. A phase stability diagram of the hydrates is constructed and the potential usage of Y2(SO4)3 for thermal energy upgrades is assessed. The high-temperature reaction may act similarly to an existing candidate, CaSO4·0.5H2O, in terms of reaction temperature and water vapor pressure. Additionally, the hydration of rhombohedral Y2(SO4)3·xH2O to Y2(SO4)3·3H2O should exhibit a larger heat storage capacity. With respect to the reaction kinetics, the initial dehydration of Y2(SO4)3·8H2O to rhombohedral Y2(SO4)3 introduces a microstructure with pores on the micron order, which might enhance the reaction rate.

Multi-mode solid–gas thermochemical resorption heat transformer using NiCl2-SrCl2/NH3

Thermal energy storage is considered as an attractive technology for waste heat recovery and solar energy utilization. A multi-mode solid–gas thermochemical resorption heat transformer for thermal energy storage has been developed. The working principle of three different operating modes, including the direct thermal energy storage and release mode, thermal energy upgrade mode and combined cooling and heating effect mode, is addressed. Performance analysis and comparisons of thermochemical resorption heat transformer are carried out by employing NiCl2-SrCl2/NH3 under the different operating modes. Thermodynamic analysis showed that the lowest and highest heat storage efficiency occur in the thermal energy upgrade mode and the direct thermal energy storage and release mode, respectively. The highest heat storage efficiency obtained is 0.978. Among three operating modes, the thermal energy upgrade mode has the lowest thermal energy storage density, while the combined cooling and heating effect mode has the highest thermal energy storage density. The smallest and largest thermal energy storage density are 1320.66 kJ/kg and 2646.92 kJ/kg, respectively. The developed thermochemical sorption energy storage provides a compact high energy density heat storage approach and therefore can boost the application of thermal energy storage in large-scale industrial processes and renewable energy utilization.

The relation of energy efficiency upgrades and cost of living, investigated in two cases of multi-residential buildings in the Netherlands

PurposeDecarbonising the housing stock is one of the largest challenges in the built environment today, which is getting the attention not only from policymakers but also from social housing corporations, financial organisations and users. In line with the international Paris-Climate-Change-Conference 2015, Dutch cities and housing associations have embraced this challenge with the ambitions to become carbon neutral in 2050. To reach such goals, both the rate and depth of renovation need to increase. Several technical solutions to eliminate the energy demand in dwelling have been developed and tested. Nevertheless, the intake rate of deep retrofitting is low. Despite recent developments, there are still significant barriers related to financing, lack of information and user acceptance. To address those barriers, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between energy efficiency upgrades and the cost of living.Design/methodology/approachFocusing on walk-up apartments in the Netherlands, a framework of refurbishment measures that affect the energy efficiency was identified, and their performance was calculated. Furthermore, the rental price adjustment was estimated, taking into account the refurbishment investment and the exploitation cost of the renovated dwellings.FindingsThe comparison of the energy use and rental price for the different options demonstrated how the different renovation measures affect the energy cost, the energy use, rent and cost of living. The tenants are more likely to accept the solutions that take into account the total cost of living and sustainability benefits. The study gives a holistic standpoint to the issue of energy upgrades, by quantifying the effect of the potential measures for the whole exploitation period. It has shown the potential of the different interventions to improve the performance and living conditions, without necessarily increasing the total cost of living.Practical implicationsSuch results aim at supporting the decision making between the stakeholders, primarily housing associations and tenants.Originality/valueThe importance of the study is that it gives a holistic standpoint to the issue of energy upgrades, by quantifying the effect of the potential measures for the whole exploitation period. The cost, as a key, if not the more most decisive, issue, is put into perspective in relation to the benefit, in order to give a direction to the renovation design and arguments for the stakeholders’ dialogue. The approach of the study goes beyond cost-optimality of measures and investigated the relation between energy upgrades and cost, as a way to evaluate design variation and address the lack of information barrier in renovations. Moreover, it also proves that deep renovation is feasible without increasing in the total cost of living, which is a principal argument to promote renovations.

On the phenomenology of sphaleron-induced processes at the LHC and beyond

We investigate the phenomenological aspects of non-perturbative baryon- and lepton-number-violating processes at hadron colliders. Such processes, induced by instan- ton/sphaleron configurations of the electroweak gauge fields, are believed to play a crucial role in the generation of baryon asymmetry in the early Universe at finite temperature. On the other hand, at colliders (that represent the zero-temperature high-energy regime) the rate and observability of such processes are still under debate. Motivated by current the- oretical considerations, we construct a modern event generator within the general-purpose Herwig Monte Carlo framework, that aims to capture the most relevant features of the dominant processes. We perform a detailed phenomenological analysis focussing on the Large Hadron Collider, at 13 TeV proton-proton centre-of-mass energy, a potential high- energy upgrade at 27 TeV and the proposed Future Circular Collider (FCC-hh) at 100 TeV. We derive constraints on the expected rates for various parametrisations of our model. We find that all three colliders are capable of providing meaningful information on the nature of instanton/sphaleron-induced processes at various energy scales.

A preliminary experimental feasibility case study of energy upgrade of pellets of lignite and plastic waste mixtures

AbstractThe calorific value enhancement of lignite by briquetting with novolac resin and plastic wastes is discussed in this work. Mixtures of several types of lignite with novolac as binder, with or without polypropylene, were manufactured in the form of pellets by curing. Pellets were pyrolyzed at 300°C and 500°C, and weight losses were determined. Chemical transformations during curing were studied by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and the corresponding changes in the microstructure of the pellets were investigated by optical microscopy. Specimens of cured pellets were tested for their impact resistance index (IRI) and water resistance index (WRI). The incorporation of polypropylene in the pellets leads to an increase of IRI and a decrease of WRI. The calorific value was measured for both cured and pyrolyzed pellets. All pellets exhibit increased lower calorific value compared with raw lignite, indicating an upgrade of their energy content.

Multienergy operation analysis in a superconducting linac based on off-frequency detune method

The free-electron laser facilities driven by a superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) linac provide high-repetition-rate electron beam, which makes it feasible to feed multiple undulator lines at the same time. In this paper, we study a method of controlling the energy of multiple electron bunches by off-frequency detuning in the SRF linac. Based on the theoretical analysis, we present the available discrete frequency detunes and the optimal linac energy allocation solutions with given energy overhead and periodic energy pattern. The required off-frequency detune is not larger than half of the beam repetition rate, which can be realized with the frequency tuner in SRF cavities. We adopt the configuration of the high energy upgrade of the Linac Coherent Light Source II (LCLS-II-HE) as an example to discuss the possible schemes in practice to support two undulator lines simultaneously. We also discuss the energy jitter increase due to the off-crest acceleration, the tunable energy range with fixed total SRF linac energy capacity, the beam energy chirp and lattice design for multienergy beam transport.

Rethinking Energy Use for a Sustainable Chemical Industry

The need for greater sustainability for the production of fuels and chemicals has spurred significant research to rethink the energy use in the chemical industry, and eventually substitute fossil fuel sources by renewable sources. Nowadays, the chemical industry is responsible for about one third of the total energy used - and the associated CO2 emissions - in the industrial sector. Most of the thermal energy used in the chemical industry is not fully recovered (by process-process stream heat exchange), but removed as low grade waste heat that ends up released into the environment. Moreover, there are certain energy intensive operations such as distillation which alone is responsible for about 40 % of the energy used in the chemical process industry.This paper aims to provide an informative perspective on the energy use in the chemical industry. The scope of this mini-review includes: current energy use, eco-efficiency aspects in chemical process industry, Process Integration for heat recovery, thermal energy upgrade by heat pumps, and advanced distillation technologies (reactive distillation, dividing-wall column, cyclic distillation) that can significantly reduce the energy usage and the carbon footprint of the modern chemical plants. Based on the provided overview, several important new research directions are defined towards rethinking the energy use for a more sustainable chemical industry.