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New Energy World
New Energy World embraces the whole energy industry as it connects and converges to address the decarbonisation challenge. It covers progress being made across the industry, from the dynamics under way to reduce emissions in oil and gas, through improvements to the efficiency of energy conversion and use, to cutting-edge initiatives in renewable and low carbon technologies.
Boosting efficiency in manufacturing environments
11/1/2023
6 min read
Feature
The pressure is on all businesses, including manufacturers, to achieve greater cost efficiency throughout their operations. Here, Marek Lukaszczyk, from motor and drives specialist WEG, looks at how technology and European Union (EU) regulations could help manufacturers improve motor efficiency and reduce costs.
The UK’s cost of living crisis will give businesses, as well as households, much to contend with. One is rising energy costs. According to the UK government, the cost of electricity within the manufacturing industry increased by 72% during the last decade, and 280% over the past 20 years. But, could what at first seem like challenges actually inspire manufacturers to improve their operations?
According to Laura Capper, Head of Manufacturing and Construction at NatWest Group: ‘During the pandemic, manufacturing businesses demonstrated extreme resiliency.’ Capper adds that: ‘While the current inflationary environment creates even more pressures, energy and fuel price rises are a catalyst to consider energy efficient and sustainable alternatives to help manage business costs.’
One apparent challenge that might offer a saving grace for manufacturers are the pending updates to European regulations for Ecodesign (Commission Regulation (EU) 2019/17), set to be introduced by the EU in July 2023. The new legislation could help manufacturing environments become more efficient while offering respite for manufacturers dealing with rising operational costs. Below, we’ll examine how.