Ireland’s largest energy users saved €14.5 million in energy costs last year, according to the annual review released by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
The review shows that the reduction in carbon emissions achieved is equivalent to taking almost 30,000 petrol or diesel cars off Ireland’s roads.
This review presents the energy performance of the SEAI Large Industry Energy Network for 2017. The Network has over 200 member companies, including world leading food ingredients manufacturer, Kerry Ingredients and Flavours.
Employing 325 people at its Charleville location, Kerry Ingredients and Flavours joined the SEAI Network in 2006. The company is continually taking steps to improve its energy performance and at the Charleville site it recently commissioned a new evaporator.
Using mechanical vapor recompression technology, the evaporator significantly reduces the thermal energy required in dairy processing.
This investment, which forms part of the energy action plan for the facility, will potentially save 5,000,000 kWh of energy, resulting in reduced carbon emissions and cost savings.
ISO 50001
The review shows the continued improvement in energy performance among the country’s biggest energy users against a backdrop of growing business outputs.
Almost 40% of network members are certified to the international energy management standard ISO 50001. Through deeper and more structured engagement, they have achieved a 22% reduction in total primary energy requirement, delivering further savings and reductions in emissions.
Commenting on the work of network members, Jim Gannon, CEO of SEAI, said: “The results in this review are further evidence that investing in energy efficiency is as much a good businesses decision as it is a socially responsible one. Our Network members account for more than one fifth of all the energy produced in Ireland. They have been leading the energy transformation of Irish industry for decades and are seeing the dividends of their investment in energy efficiency appear on their bottom line. This leadership provides clear case studies for other businesses to follow, and has also built a hugely experienced and valuable Irish supply chain that can help execute these projects.”
Mr Gannon continued, “As the realities of climate change become clearer to us all, it is particularly important to highlight what work is being done by energy leaders across the country. Investing in sustainable energy is increasingly being perceived as a good use of capital, that locks in long-term savings. We look forward to continuing our support to Irish business as it reduces its consumption and decarbonises its supply.”
The annual review, including a breakdown of results by each network member, is available online at www.seai.ie
