Our current Energy Efficiency Plan (EEP) runs between 2017 and 2020, and I’m glad to report we’re on track to achieve our goals. However, with each passing year, it becomes harder to meet our 2% energy reduction goal. We respond by coming up with new, innovative solutions. For example, at our Delfzijl facility, we recently launched a project to reduce the amount of energy used by our dryers. The combination of these different initiatives helps us to reduce our overall energy consumption.
Saving energy through innovation
‘Chain projects’ are another important energy-saving innovation. These project focus on our energy-reduction impact across the total value chain. By limiting our use of raw materials and our waste streams, we reduce the energy and CO2 footprint of Twaron®. This in turn enables the customers that use our products, as well as the suppliers that support our processes, to reduce their own environmental impact.
Our Dutch production facilities are currently taking part in a chain project together. We calculate the energy-reduction advantages of using Twaron® in industrial conveyor belts around the world. The total energy saving is then factored into the individual EEPs of each Teijin Aramid site.
Insight is crucial
The more we understand our industrial processes and how they consume energy, the better we can control our energy use. At Delfzijl, we recently introduced a new energy-data model to show how different sections of the plant consume energy and identify the main users. We can also spot areas where efficiency can be improved. For instance, if machinery is running below full capacity during a certain period, we can reduce the energy supply accordingly.
“Going forward, we plan to involve our Teijin Aramid colleagues in our Energy Efficiency Plan more closely. Our operators can provide detailed insight into the energy needs and consumption patterns of specific equipment. By working together, we can continue meeting our targets for years to come!
