JULY 20248MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY INSIGHTS8IN MY OPINIONBy Peter Krarup, SVP, Head of Group Operations, GRUNDFOSThe manufacturing industry needs to move the dial on decarbonisation. In the UK, the industry accounts for 17 per cent of the country's greenhouse gas emissions. Globally, it is responsible for one-fifth of the world's total emissions. Globally, it is responsible for one-fifth of the world's total emissions. To reach net zero, the industry must minimise its mammoth carbon footprint. Manufacturers can now tackle emissions head-on by making a difference with just three impactful changes. now tackle emissions head on by making a difference with just three impactful changes. ADDRESSING EXCESSIVE ENERGY CONSUMPTION Considering that the global manufacturing industry accounts for the majority, 54 per cent, of the world's energy consumption, it is perhaps no shock that the sector is responsible for such a proportionally large volume of greenhouse gas emissions.Yet, the magnitude of manufacturers' carbon emissions can be reduced significantly by boosting efficiencies through the adoption of smarter water and energy solutions. As it stands, many manufacturers run outdated equipment across their production processes. Swapping energy-intensive, inefficient systems for smarter solutions can optimise energy and water use across the production chain and curb carbon output.When UK soft drink manufacturing giant Britvic set out to upgrade the water supply in its Rugby facility to deliver the correct, varying amounts of water at the correct pressure whilst slashing energy costs and carbon emissions, Grundfos designed and deployed a bespoke solution that increased water flow by 70 per cent and reduced energy costs by 45 per cent. The efficient pumping system led to 69,500 euros in energy savings annually and and reduced energy costs by 45%. The efficient pumping system led to 69,500 euros in energy savings annually and represented a return on investment of less than two years. represented a return on investment of less than two years. As the Britvic case underscores, when manufacturers make the conscious decision to swap energy-sapping equipment for more efficient solutions, they can unlock the ability to axe their energy consumption and in turn, bring down their greenhouse gas emissions.DRIVING THE UPTAKE OF DIGITAL SOLUTIONSManufacturers can also boost efficiencies and reduce carbon emissions by embracing the benefits of digitalised solutions, such as such as electronic motors, or e-motors.In the manufacturing sector, motor-driven systems account for up to 64 per cent of electric energy consumption. To meet carbon-reduction targets, manufacturers should set out to smarten their motor technology. Indeed, e-motors will play an enormous role in alleviating excessive energy consumption in the manufacturing sector by improving the efficiency of energy systems and reducing CO2 emissions. In 2020 alone, Grundfos' e-motors reduced CO2 emissions by an astounding 270,000 tons.By employing digital solutions such as e-motors, manufacturers can make strides in cleaning up their carbon emissions, reducing operational costs and optimising their manufacturing processes. It is a clear win for both industry and the planet. REDUCING CARBON EMISSIONS BY CURBING WATER CONSUMPTIONGiven the intertwinement between water and energy, manufacturers should also address potential points of inefficient water consumption along the production chain to reduce emissions. Notably, minimising water consumption ADOPTING SMART SOLUTIONS TO REDUCE CARBON EMISSIONS IN MANUFACTURINGPeter Krarup
< Page 7 | Page 9 >