Companies across various sectors are increasingly transitioning from fossil fuels to electric power as part of their strategies to achieve net-zero energy targets and simultaneously lower operational costs. According to a recent study conducted by ABI Research, a technology consulting firm, enhancing electric energy efficiency is essential to expedite these initiatives.
The report, titled “The Role of Energy Efficiency in Reaching Net Zero Targets for Enterprises and Industries,” highlights that improving energy efficiency could account for up to 25% of the emissions reductions required to reach net-zero levels. ABI Research projects that global investments in energy efficiency technologies will rise substantially, from $106 billion in 2024 to $153 billion by 2030.
ABI’s analysis categorises energy-efficiency technologies and equipment into three main industrial sectors:
Commercial Buildings: This sector includes technologies such as Network Lighting Control (NLC), automated occupancy sensing for lighting and heating systems, AI-based energy management systems, energy-efficient HVAC equipment, and advanced insulation technologies.
Manufacturing Plants: Key technologies for this sector involve energy digital twins, factory automation tools, manufacturing process design and optimization software, Electric Arc Furnaces (EAFs), and energy-efficient electric motors used in compressors, fans, and pumps.
Transportation and Supply Chain: Innovations in this arena are focused on electric forklifts, the electrification of fleets—especially for last-mile deliveries—advanced routing software, and comprehensive software suites aimed at enhancing end-to-end supply chain efficiencies, particularly in control towers.
Dominique Bonte, Vice President of End Markets and Verticals at ABI Research, emphasised the critical nature of energy efficiency in the global climate agenda. Speaking to Supply Chain Xchange, Bonte stated, “Both the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP) continue to insist on the importance of energy efficiency.” He noted the commitment made at COP 29 in Dubai to double the global annual average rate of energy efficiency improvements from approximately 2% to over 4% until 2030, following recommendations from the IEA. This commitment aligns with the European Union's Energy Efficiency First (EE1) Framework and the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, which allocated US$86 billion for energy efficiency initiatives.
As industries adapt to these emerging technologies and practices, the impact on business operations and environmental goals will become increasingly significant, marking a pivotal shift towards sustainable energy solutions.
Source: Noah Wire Services