Energy Efficiency

Energy brings prosperity and gives us a comfortable life. But our use of energy also has disadvantages such as environmental pollution and climate change – which have already assumed serious proportions. What can we do about it? First, reduce the energy demand, by using energy as efficiently as possible. Next, use more sustainable energy sources such as solar, wind, and biomass. And finally, use fossil fuels – for as long as they are indispensable - in the cleanest possible way. This three-step approach towards a sustainable energy  system is called the trias energetica.

The importance of energy efficiency in achieving a sustainable energy system is illustrated in the picture below. According to this scenario the end use energy efficiency should  contribute to over one third of the CO2 reduction goal in 2050.

ECN’s contribution
ECN also concerns itself with the first component of the trias energetica: efficient use of energy leading to energy savings, particularly in energy-intensive production processes.

Besides reducing energy consumption in industrial processes it is also needed to look at the feedstock consumption of the industry. Fossil fuels such as oil, gas and coal are used by the industry as resource materials for products such as plastics, steel and fertilizer. The development of new energy efficient processes, in which fossil fuels are replaced by biomass fall within the scope of ECN’s research and development.

By focused knowledge and technology developments ECN contribute to innovative solutions for the reduction of energy use and efficient use of resource materials in industry and the transition to green products. This not only reduces energy use but also contributes to competitiveness  strength of businesses through cost savings by energy users and innovation among technology suppliers.