Energy

Manufacturers depend heavily on energy resources to provide fuel and power for the conversion of raw materials into usable products. Consequently, the efficient use of energy, as well as cost and availability, has a substantial impact on the competitiveness and economic health of South Carolina’s manufacturers. More efficient use of energy lowers production costs, conserves limited energy resources, and increases productivity. The more efficient use of energy also has positive impacts on the environment – reductions in fuel use translate directly into fewer emissions of pollutants such as sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulates, as well as greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide.

Energy efficiency varies dramatically across industries and manufacturing processes, and even between plants manufacturing the same products. Efficiency can be limited by mechanical, chemical, or other physical parameters, or by the age and design of equipment. In some cases, operating and maintenance practices contribute to lower than optimum efficiency. Regardless of the reason, less than optimum energy efficiency means that as equipment is used, not all of the energy is converted to useful work – some is released as lost energy. In the manufacturing sector, these energy losses amount to lost revenue.

Increasing the efficiency of energy use could result in substantial benefits. A first step in realizing these opportunities is to identify where and how your facility is using energy – how much is used for various energy systems, how much is lost, how much goes directly to processes, and so forth. The next step is to identify and implement methods and technologies to improve your energy efficiency and your bottom line.

If you need assistance answering these questions and improving your bottom line with improved energy efficiency measures, contact your local SCMEP Representative.