scholarly journals Energy Efficiency Obligations and Subsidies to Energy Intensive Industries in Latvia

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 90-101
Author(s):  
Kristaps Locmelis ◽  
Uldis Bariss ◽  
Dagnija Blumberga
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Energy Policy ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Manufacturing Industries ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Energy Costs ◽  
Total Production ◽  
Use Patterns ◽  
Efficiency Measures

Abstract The European Union’s climate and energy policy for 2030 sets ambitious targets and will challenge current energy use patterns. At the same time, policy objectives are to maintain energy affordable for business and consumers, which means that energy and climate goals should be achieved in the most cost-effective way. There is a well-known energy efficiency gap between effectively implemented energy efficiency measures and potentially economically viable ones. The authors have made a statistical analysis of the energy costs intensity of manufacturing industries in Latvia compared to other Baltic Sea countries and have consented that the three most energy consuming manufacturing industries in Latvia show a higher share of energy costs in total production costs than in their peers over a long period of time, indicating the clearly visible possibilities for energy efficiency improvements. At the same time, Latvian energy policy provides subsidies for energy-intensive manufacturing consumers by reimbursing part of their actual electricity costs. The paper analyses the amounts of reimbursements and their breakdown by manufacturing industries, identifying the most important beneficiaries of subsidies. The authors argue that beneficiaries should direct these subsidies to further energy efficiency improvements.

Energy efficiency of multivariate cultivation techniques in pasture forage production

2021 ◽  
pp. 3-6
Author(s):  
К.Н. Привалова ◽  
Р.Р. Каримов
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Production Process ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Exchange Energy ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Energy Yield ◽  
Total Production ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
Machinery Construction ◽  
Natural Factors

Исследования по определению энергетической эффективности пастбищных систем со злаковыми и бобово-злаковыми травостоями проведены в Федеральном научном центре кормопроизводства и агроэкологии им. В. Р. Вильямса. В статье приведены результаты агроэнергетической оценки многовариантных пастбищных систем со злаковыми травостоями, созданными в 1946 году. Даны количественные показатели по сбору обменной энергии, совокупным затратам на её производство, окупаемости затрат в зависимости от системы ведения пастбищ. Изучена эффективность совокупных затрат в виде овеществлённого труда (на семена, удобрения, сельскохозяйственные машины, средства огораживания загонов и прочее) и живого труда (работы трактористов, пастухов и строителей и др.). Обоснована высокая агроэнергетическая эффективность изучаемых пастбищных систем благодаря мобилизации в продукционный процесс природных факторов, долевое участие которых в структуре производства обменной энергии составило 69–84%. Природные факторы, участвующие в продукционном процессе луговых агроэкосистем, характеризуются большим разнообразием. Это не только использование солнечной энергии и азотфиксация бобовыми травами, но и долголетие травостоев, самовозобновление фитоценозов, дерновообразовательный процесс (повышение плодородия почвы), получение дешёвого корма и улучшение здоровья животных при летнем выпасе. Роль возобновляемых природных факторов выявлена на основе балансового метода, принятого в экономике (по разнице сбора обменной энергии и антропогенных затрат). Благодаря ведущей роли природных факторов в структуре произведённой продукции агроэнергетический коэффициент окупаемости совокупных затрат антропогенной энергии (АК) за счёт сбора обменной энергии достигал 3–6 раз в среднем за 45 лет. Разработанные в результате долголетних исследований многовариантные энергосберегающие пастбищные системы обосновывают возможность рекомендовать их производству с учётом применения различного уровня энергозатрат. Ключевые слова: культурные пастбища, системы ведения, долголетние травостои, сбор обменной энергии, совокупные антропогенные затраты, окупаемость затрат. The investigation was conducted at the Federal Williams Research Center of Fodder Production and Agroecology and was aimed at testing energy efficiency of gramineous and legume-gramineous swards. This article presents the results obtained on pasture ecosystems with gramineous planted in 1946. Exchange energy yield, total production costs and economic effectiveness were analyzed. Total production costs comprised costs for seeds, fertilizers, machinery, construction materials, labor, etc. Introduction of natural factors into the production process resulted in higher energy efficiency. Their share amounted to 69–84% in the final exchange energy yield. There are a lot of natural factors that affect grass productivity such as solar energy, nitrogen-fixation, sward longevity and regeneration, soil fertility, low-cost feed production, and livestock health. The value of natural factors was determined according to the balance method (by the difference between exchange energy yield and anthropogenic costs). Since environmental factors had a leading role in the production process, the return rate raised by 3–6 times for 45 years due to exchange energy increase. Therefore, pasture ecosystems developed can be recommended for a large-scale forage production.

scholarly journals Energy use efficiency in soybean crops in different regions of Brazil

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (6supl2) ◽  
pp. 2991-3010
Author(s):  
Roni Fernandes Guareschi ◽  
◽  
Marcio dos Reis Martins ◽  
Leonardo Fernandes Sarkis ◽  
Bruno José Rodrigues Alves ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Calorific Value ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Total Output ◽  
Soybean Crop ◽  
South Central ◽  
Total Input ◽  
Adverse Weather

The soybean crop in Brazil has been growing in area and productivity in recent years and the analysis of its energy efficiency is very important to guarantee the sustainability of the production system. Assessment of energy efficiency (EE) enables the evaluation of the sustainability of agrosystems, as well as decision-making regarding the reduction in production costs and negative environmental impacts. In this context, the objective of this study was to assess energy efficiency of soybean in different regions of Brazil. For this purpose, 29 areas of soybean across the major producing states were assessed. Energy inputs and outputs of agricultural operations and/or agricultural inputs were calculated by multiplying the amount used by their calorific value or energy coefficient at each stage of production. Energy efficiency was calculated as the ratio between the total output energy and the total input energy during the production process. For every MJ of energy consumed in the production of soybean crop, 6.1; 6.7; 7.1 and 7.2 MJ of energy were produced in the form of grain, respectively in the areas assessed in the Midwest, northeast, southeast and south regions of Brazil. Generally, the main energy expenditure on soybean cultivation in different regions of Brazil was with fertilizers, seeds and herbicides. The adverse weather conditions of the year / harvest evaluated in the south-central region of Brazil resulted in low soybean yields and consequently resulted in lower energy efficiency in these regions. The evaluation of energy efficiency in soybean crops to be representative must be carried out in different regions and edaphoclimatic conditions.

scholarly journals An Analysis of Energy Use Efficiency in China by Applying Stochastic Frontier Panel Data Models

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 1892 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoyan Zheng ◽  
Almas Heshmati
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Panel Data ◽  
Energy Policy ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Stochastic Frontier ◽  
Control Variables ◽  
Energy Use Efficiency ◽  
Level Data ◽  
Use Efficiency ◽  
Province Level

This paper investigates energy use efficiency at the province level in China using the stochastic frontier panel data model approach. The stochastic frontier model is a parametric model which allows for the modeling of the relationship between energy use and its determinants using different control variables. The main control variables in this paper are energy policy and environmental and regulatory variables. This paper uses province level data from all provinces in China for the period 2010–2017. Three different models are estimated accounting for the panel nature of the data; province-specific heterogeneity and province-specific energy inefficiency effects are separated. The models differ because of their underlying assumptions, but they also complement each other. The paper also explains the degree of inefficiency in energy use by its possible determinants, including those related to the public energy policy and environmental regulations. This research supplements existing research from the perspective of energy policy and regional heterogeneity. The paper identifies potential areas for improving energy efficiency in the western and northeastern regions of China. Its findings provide new empirical evidence for estimating and evaluating China’s energy efficiency and a transition to cleaner energy sources and production.

Modelling IR-Heating in Stretch-Blow Moulding and Thermoforming

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Rasche ◽  
M. Begemann ◽  
Ch. Hopmann
Keyword(s):  
Temperature Profile ◽  
Thickness Distribution ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Energy Costs ◽  
Total Production ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Moulding Process ◽  
Blow Moulding ◽  
Wall Thickness Distribution ◽  
Ir Heating

The two-stage stretch-blow moulding process has been established for the large scale production of high quality PET containers with excellent mechanical and optical properties. Thermoforming is the process of choice for manufacturing thin-gauge or large-area parts for packaging or technical applications. Both processes allow lightweight thermoplastic parts to be produced rapidly and economically. In both processes thermoplastic semi-finished products are formed by pressurised air under the influence of heat. To enable forming of the thermoplastic materials, the semi-finished products need to be transferred into a thermoelastic state. IR-heating is widely used due to short heating times. From a cost perspective, about 7 % of the total production costs of a stretch-blow moulded bottle are spent for energy in order to heat and form the preform to the later bottle. Depending on machine, semi-finished product type and cycle time, energy costs in thermoforming account for around 1–5 % of the total production costs. Modern roll-fed automatic thermoforming machines use about 22 % of the energy consumption for the heating step and around 70 % for the production of pressurised air. Due to this significant share and due to increasing energy costs during recent years, the packaging industry is interested in increasing the energy efficiency of these processes. The most important quality criterion for both processes is a uniform wall thickness distribution. The production of high-quality parts requires optimised temperature profiles of the semi-finished product depending on the particular product geometry. Simulation is an approved tool for the prediction of the influence of the heater setting on the temperature profile. Over the last decade IKV has developed an integrative three-dimensional process simulation which models the complete path of a preform through a stretch-blow moulding machine. An essential first step is the heating simulation where the temperature profile of the preform is computed. Based on this data the temperature-dependent material behaviour of PET can be considered during the inflation simulation. This work shows the influence of a thoughtful temperature profile on the wall thickness distribution in stretch-blow moulding. The focus is on modelling the reheat phase of the stretch-blow moulding process in FEA. Beyond that, a purposeful heating offers the possibility to cut down energy waste.

scholarly journals Energy efficiency in maize crops in different regions of Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 2271-2292
Author(s):  
Roni Fernandes Guareschi ◽  
◽  
Elderson Pereira da Silva ◽  
Segundo Urquiaga ◽  
Bruno José Rodrigues Alves ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Calorific Value ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Total Output ◽  
Maize Crop ◽  
Energy Inputs ◽  
Total Input ◽  
Energy Coefficient ◽  
Cropping Seasons

Assessment of energy efficiency (EE) enables the evaluation of the sustainability of agrosystems, as well as decision-making regarding reduction in production costs and environmental pollution and even to increase production in a sustainable way. In this context, the objective of this study was to assess energy efficiency in maize in different regions of Brazil. For this purpose, 32 areas of maize crop distributed across the major producing states and regions were assessed. Energy inputs and outputs of agricultural operations and/or agricultural inputs were calculated by multiplying the amount used by their calorific value or energy coefficient at each stage of production. Energy efficiency was calculated as the ratio between the total output energy and the total input energy during the production process. For every megajoule (MJ) of energy consumed in the production of second-crop maize and first-crop maize seasons, 9.9 and 8.7 MJ respectively of renewable energy were produced in the form of grain. In both maize cropping seasons, most of the energy use was attributed to fertilizers, herbicides and fuel. To be representative the evaluation of energy efficiency of the maize crop should be performed in different Brazilian cultivation regions, as it will represent different edaphoclimatic and management conditions spread over the national territory within an agricultural year.

scholarly journals Designing Policies and Programmes for Improved Energy Efficiency in Industrial SMEs

Energies ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 1338 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ida Johansson ◽  
Nawzad Mardan ◽  
Erwin Cornelis ◽  
Osamu Kimura ◽  
Patrik Thollander
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Energy Audit ◽  
Scientific Publications ◽  
Energy Efficiency Policy ◽  
Efficiency Measures ◽  
Scientific Papers ◽  
Industrial Energy ◽  
Industrial Energy Efficiency ◽  
Research And Policy

Climate change, due to anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases, is driving policymakers to make decisions to promote more efficient energy use. Improved industrial energy efficiency is said to play a key role in the transition to more carbon-neutral energy systems. In most countries, industrial small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) represent 95% or more of the total number of companies. Thus, SMEs, apart from using energy, are a major driver in the economy with regard to innovation, GDP growth, employment, investments, exports, etc. Despite this, research and policy activities related to SMEs have been scarce, calling for contributions in the field. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to critically assess how adequate energy efficiency policy programmes for industrial SMEs could be designed. Results show that scientific publications in the field differ in scope and origin, but a major emphasis of the scientific papers has been on barriers to and drivers for energy efficiency. Scientific contributions from studies of energy policy programmes primarily cover energy audit programmes and show that the major energy efficiency measures from industrial SMEs are found in support processes. The review further reveals an imbalance in geographic scope of the papers within the field, where a vast majority of the papers emanate from Europe, calling for scientific publications from other parts of the world. The study synthesizes the findings into a general method on how to design efficiency programs for the sector.

scholarly journals Energy Efficiency Improvement Strategies for Boilers: A Case Study in Pharmacy Industry

2019 ◽  
Vol 125 ◽  
pp. 12002
Author(s):  
Silvy Djayanti
Keyword(s):  
Energy Supply ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Industrial Sector ◽  
Research Strategy ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Energy Utilization ◽  
Energy Costs ◽  
Total Production ◽  
Energy Audit ◽  
Low Efficiency

Energy resources are gradually scarce and expensive. Raised a gap between increasing demand and energy supply. Bridging gap of demand together with energy supply by increase energy supplies is a very costly decision. Moreover, in the industrial sector with the high cost of energy, the longer the competitiveness decreases. Energy costs in total production costs reduce the number of profits each year. The strategy to prevent these problems is by increasing the efficiency of industrial operations and equipment. Several stages of the efficiency process begin with identifying balance, energy-saving opportunities, and energy utilization. This stage is better known as an energy audit. The advanced stage of the energy audit helps identify potential energy conservation and encourages the industry to focus on efficiency and conservation and is supported by adequate financing. In the research strategy, the opportunity to save energy costs in oil boiler units is practical, sustainable and economically feasible. On the results of measurements and calculations obtained boiler efficiency of 53.67% where the factors that cause the low efficiency of this boiler are the high excess water by 17.32% and heat loss from dry exhaust gas by 42.03%. The solution is done by controlling excess air by regulating the air entering the combustion chamber. In this way, energy savings can be increased by 15%.

scholarly journals A STUDY OF THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY RENOVATION ON PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECTS

2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 192-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qian Chen ◽  
Qian Ma
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Public Housing ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Building Energy ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Efficiency Measures ◽  
The Government ◽  
Financial Burdens ◽  
Whole Building Energy Simulation

While the energy efficiency of commercial buildings, schools, and private homes has received increasing attention, the energy performance of public housing has long been neglected. The high energy usage and resulting utility costs associated with such subsidized houses have added great financial burdens to the government and tenants. Therefore, improving public housing's energy performance becomes an important task. This paper presents a comparative study that mainly investigates the effectiveness of energy efficiency measures (EEMs) recently implemented in the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority's green renovation projects. Whole building energy simulation results show that due to budget constraints, the limited EEMs put into place would only result in a marginal (7.6%) improvement to the renovated building's energy performance prior to renovation. Another 38.5% reduction would be needed, using the performance requirement of the current building energy code as a reference. Based on these findings, this research offers some insights into more cost-effective energy efficiency upgrades that can help reduce public housing's energy consumption and green renovation costs.

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