Energy Optimisation in action

Centrica Business Solutions' record of experience in delivering customer value from energy optimisation solutions is rooted in our expertise at identifying flexible industrial assets or processes, and match these with appropriate programmes.

Now supported by our acquisition of next-generation demand side response provider REstore, our unrivalled technology capabilities give you access to the widest range of opportunities to maximise value from a greater range of assets.

Learn how different industries and public sector organisations are unlocking the competitive advantage that energy optimisation enables.

Flexibility in steel manufacturing

Energy can account for 15-20% of the total cost of steel production and is therefore a significant focus for the industry. One of the highest consuming assets are Electric Arc Furnaces (EAFs). Yet due their high thermal inertia, even these intermittent production units can be curtailed for short periods with minimal impact on productivity levels and maximise demand response payments.

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Paper & pulp energy savings

Pulp mills can be curtailed in only a few seconds without impacting plant machinery and can therefore participate in fast frequency reserves. Paper processing units (including coating processes) can also be slowed down for one to two hours or entirely stopped for longer periods. Cogeneration units producing steam and electricity for the mills can also be offered in the capacity market.

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Food and drink flexibility

Milling processes in the food industry, such as sugar, flour and beans, can be curtailed with 15 minutes’ notice using standard procedures for managing the process. This in return enables inclusion in demand response programmes, generating added value financial rewards payments and reducing overall energy costs.

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Commercial and public sector application

Any large building with heat, ventilation and air conditioning systems can reduce their power consumption at times of scarcity to take advantage of demand response payments. Organisations with standby generators such as data centres, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, higher education or banks can actively participate to deliver multiple benefits.

Fluid energy for the water sector

Pumps used in drinking water transmission, or upstream in water treatment plants, are ideal candidates for demand response. Industrial boundaries can be applied to ensure that there is no impact on flow volume or pipeline pressures. In addition, turbo-aerators, fans and centrifuges can also be designated as flexible equipment to maximise demand response revenues.

Learn about our Energy Optimisation Solution portfolio

Optimising processes and operations

Energy optimisation solutions have a significant role to play as part of a wider energy strategy, learn more about some areas where your organisation could take action.

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Optimising the (petro)chemicals Industry

As the most energy-intensive industry in Europe, the chemicals sector has pioneered Demand Response and energy optimisation throughout Europe. Electrolysis and extrusion units are ideal flexible processes for use with fast frequency reserves. While process elements such as gas turbines and cogeneration units can also participate in capacity markets.

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Minerals and cement responsiveness

Quarries offer the potential for flexible power from units such as crushers, grinders and exhaust pumps. Within cement plants there is flexibility in the mills or lime plants with units such as ventilation. These processes can be activated in a few minutes making them suitable for demand response programmes.

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Cost savings for non-ferrous metals

Used in electrolysis or an electric furnace, the contribution of electric power in the non-ferrous metal sector is the largest of all industry sectors. Combining these processes with demand response can deliver a major source of cost savings.

Optimised power for industrial gases

During the production of industrial gases, both compressors and pumps in air separation units can be stopped instantly within safety and industrial boundary guidelines. Due to large buffer stocks in the process upstream and downstream, productivity is not impacted and these assets are perfect for faster demand response programmes.

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Transparency for glass manufacturing

Glass manufacturing process that utilise electric ovens equipped with electrodes are perfect for demand response due to their high thermal inertia. Rotating machines to produce glass insulation blocks are also excellent candidates, while electric boosters in gas ovens can quickly be activated for just a few minutes in fast frequency reserves.

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Cold store energy curtailment

Short curtailments of compressors and fans for cold stores and other like-processes do not impact the quality of frozen produce. Quality is further assured by implementing industrial boundary conditions that ensure the environment can sustain a brief curtailment of just a few minutes.

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Energy Optimisation in action

Find out how industrial, commercial and public sector organisation can benefit from our innovative energy optimisation solutions

Flexibility in steel manufacturing

Paper & pulp energy savings

Food and drink flexibility

Commercial and public sector application

Fluid energy for the water sector

Optimising processes and operations

Optimising the (petro)chemicals Industry

Minerals and cement responsiveness

Cost savings for non-ferrous metals

Optimised power for industrial gases

Transparency for glass manufacturing

Cold store energy curtailment