Measurement and control technology realising your sustainability goals
Throughout history, humanity has sought to transform energy into motion using the most effective methods. From the use of wind and water mills to the invention of the steam engine and the adoption of the electric motor — each was more efficient than the last. Today, this need is still great as the world decarbonises industries and infrastructure. The good news is that the technology needed to reduce energy consumption is available today, as Stephen Hayes, managing director of automation and control technology specialist, Beckhoff UK, explains.
According to new research by Make UK, formerly known as the Engineering Employers’ Federation (EEF), manufacturers have moved decarbonisation up the priority ladder. In fact, eight in ten companies are now saying it is of high or medium importance to their business.
The research – Decarbonising manufacturing: Challenges and opportunities — shows that companies are accelerating efforts to decarbonise. Crucially, it goes on to state that this is due to rising energy costs, the need to do the right thing and the rising cost of raw materials.
Energy crisis
On the former, the energy crisis has not only put public awareness to an all-time high, but it is also greatly affecting industries vital to the UK’s economy. This comes as 42 per cent of manufacturers, from the same research, have seen their electricity bills increase by 100 per cent in the last year.
What’s more, for energy-intensive industries like manufacturing, the significant price increases are also inflating production costs. Last year, Eurostat’s data revealed a staggering 101 per cent increase in energy prices across the EU between March 2021 and 2022, amplifying the financial strain on businesses.
But mitigating these costs is possible.
Energy efficiency
According to the aforementioned Make UK research, energy efficiency is seen as key to achieving decarbonisation.
Here, 47 per cent of manufacturers have already adjusted their business practices to cut energy consumption in response to the energy price hikes in 2022. This is also prompting companies to change their industrial processes to not only become more cost-effective, but sustainable too.
Even the International Energy Agency (IEA) published a landmark report pointing out that increased energy efficiency will allow the world economy to grow by 40 per cent by 2030 — all while using seven per cent less energy than today.
The role of automation
By automating and controlling systems more effectively, energy consumption can be reduced.
Just look at Hayabusa’s Japanese spacecraft, which installed a total of 23,000 bins and 76 robots. This not only translated to a 165 per cent sales increase and doubled the warehouse’s original capacity, but also lowered energy consumption and reduced carbon emissions.
And the good news is that all of this is achievable with the right automation option. Options, including Beckhoff’s PC-based control system, are a good way to start.
For example, Bennet SpA, an Italian department store group, is using modern building automation in its 73 stores and 45 shopping centers, with Beckhoff’s PC-based control. The system is created to achieve flexible designs for varied lighting environments, ensuring energy efficiency and meeting the operator’s diverse requirements.
Measurement and control technology play a crucial role in achieving sustainability goals as the world continues to decarbonise industries and infrastructure. Crucially, technology like this is here today, helping manufacturing reduce its energy consumption and the environmental impact it has across industries.
For more information about Beckhoff’s secure communication protocol, TwinCAT and other control technology, visit www.beckhoff.com.
