Guide to approaching industrial electrification
We recently published our ‘Guide to Industrial Electrification’, which addresses the issues facing energy-intensive manufacturers who are considering electrification as a key part of their decarbonisation strategy. This includes items such as the drivers for electrification, impact of electrification on operating costs, as well as the barriers and alternatives. The recent announcements by Tata Steel […]
Enabling sustainability progress in Multinational Corporations’ supply chains
We are seeing more and more multinational corporations (MNC) setting short and long-term Scope 3 reduction targets. As defined by the Science Based Targets initiative, Scope 3 emissions refers to all indirect upstream and downstream emissions that occur in a company’s value chain. Of the c.2000 companies that have joined the Science Based Targets initiative, […]
The key challenges to investing in energy efficiency and deep decarbonisation
In a recent consultation for the IETF round 3, individuals were asked what barriers were preventing their business from investing in energy efficiency and deep decarbonisation. The key, recurring issues that we saw were: Capex availability and revenue uncertainty – The high upfront capex required often makes it challenging for organisations to secure internal funding […]
Taking control of energy costs in UK chemical manufacturing
Despite a strong 2020 and 2021 for the UK Chemical sector, the economic headwinds faced throughout 2022 and so far in 2023 has put the industry in recessionary territory, having contracted in the last three quarters. This can be largely attributed to the increase in the cost of production, with the most significant factor being […]
Increasing difficulties connecting to the UK Grid
The Grid’s limited capabilities pose a real threat to the UK’s ability to switch from fossil fuel reliance to renewables. There are several hurdles that must be overcome in order to achieve low carbon power generation: Outdated infrastructure – The existing infrastructure was built to distribute from large power plants directly to customers, but it […]
How can the F-Gas regulations be used as an opportunity to achieve early compliance and lower energy costs?
The revised F-gas regulations announced last April are expected to come into force in the UK and EU in 2024. The proposal aims to achieve a 95% reduction in F-gas availability by 2030, instead of the initial 75%. This steeper phase-down will be supported by tighter equipment regulations and increased traceability of banned refrigerants entering the market. However, for […]
Is the UK at a competitive disadvantage in encouraging investment in green industries?
Last week, the European Commission announced their response to the US’ Inflation Reduction Act, similarly offering up large subsidies and other incentives for green industries. So, where does this leave the UK? Without being able to level the playing field, the UK runs a very real risk of falling behind in the investment and uptake […]
Are food and drink manufacturers to blame for rising prices?
Food and drink prices are rising at the fastest rate since 1977, hitting a 16.9% inflation rate in December. So, what is to blame? Energy prices are a large overhead for food manufacturers, and the wholesale price of gas and electricity has increased significantly over the last 24 months, which can largely be attributed to […]
What can cold stores do to reduce energy costs?
Cold stores operate 24/7 with a semi-fixed refrigeration infrastructure, so short of replacing that refrigeration equipment what can they do to reduce their energy costs ? First focus should be on efficiency (reducing kWh consumed). There are three main practical areas that should be acted on:1. Physical access – addressing door openings and other areas where cold […]
Challenges facing energy intensive businesses in 2023?
Challenges facing energy intensive businesses in 2023? 2023 promises to be an interesting year for energy intensive businesses with the Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS) ending on 31 March. The Treasury is reviewing a successor to the EBRS from 1 April, but fewer industries are expected to qualify for support meaning many more businesses will be exposed to […]