An Analysis of Actual Energy Savings in an Indian Cement Industry Through an Energy Efficiency Index

Abstract

The cement sub-sector consumes approximately 10% to 15% of total industrial energy use for few selected countries around the world. Therefore, it is necessary to identify where energy losses taking place so that energy savings measures could be implemented to reduce energy consumption in this sub-sector. In this article, the role of an Energy Efficiency Index in identifying the relative position and saving potential of a cement industry among the national best value is analyzed. The index is developed by considering the actual specific energy consumption per ton of cement with the national average value. The plant's specific energy consumption (SEC) was estimated to be 88.1 kWh/ton of cement and the national average best value was found to be 75.2 kWh/ton of cement. Based on this information, the relative Energy Efficiency Index for the selected industry was found to be 117.15 indicating an energy saving potential of 17.15%. It may be stated that the plant could reduce its energy annual consumption by 4833MWh (i.e., 1.42%) of its annual consumption. However, the plant still can reduce its annual energy consumption by 52,676 MWh to reach the national average target value.

Keywords:

• Specific energy consumption
• Energy efficiency index
• Cement industry