Identifying Energy Consumption Thresholds in Foundation Industries

Abstract

The UK’s foundation industries, which are pivotal to its economy, are grappling with environmental challenges due to their deep-seated energy consumption patterns. This research offers a comprehensive analysis of these patterns, giving prominence to the chemicals, metals, and paper sectors. Within the chemicals sector, petrochemicals are significant, with steam cracking emerging as its primary energy-consuming process. For the metals sector, the traditional blast furnace method is dominant in steel production, while in the paper sector, the drying process is the most energy-intensive operation. This study meticulously unpacks energy thresholds, providing a comparative overview of typical energy intensity, theoretical minimums, best practices, and the potential of innovations from rigorous R&D. Several alternative technologies are spotlighted for potential energy saving. The research underscores the urgent need for energy conservation. It robustly advocates for a paradigm shift in foundational industry operations, emphasising the importance of sustainable practices and technological advancements. The findings serve as a clarion call, urging industries to prioritise environmental sustainability, championing a decisive move towards a greener, more responsible industrial landscape