Engineering news
The government-supported High Value Manufacturing Catapult (HVMC) launched the Manufacturing Energy Toolkit yesterday (5 October) to support small and medium-sized (SME) manufacturers with their costs.
“As the winter sets in, the cost of energy will be a key concern for businesses of all shapes and sizes across the UK,” the Catapult announcement said. “With the Manufacturing Energy Toolkit, the HVM Catapult is opening its doors to help manufacturers make their processes more energy efficient, cutting their energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions while improving profitability.”
The toolkit is a guided assessment process undertaken by HVMC experts. The aim is to build a full understanding of an SME’s energy usage and energy sources in production, as well as potential efficiency-boosting solutions.
In a regional pilot run by WMG, a Catapult innovation centre at the University of Warwick, the toolkit saved SMEs 12-46% of their energy costs. Manufacturers saved an average 21% off their energy costs, the announcement said. In one case, Catapult experts achieved a 90% energy saving from a single machine.
Katherine Bennett CBE, CEO of the HVMC, said: “SMEs are the backbone of the UK economy, but they often have to shoulder the greatest burden under external pressures like seasonal energy price rises. That’s why the HVM Catapult is offering free support to help manufacturers become more efficient – both environmentally and financially.
“The Manufacturing Energy Toolkit will give SMEs the expert insights they need to make smarter, more sustainable choices in their factories and on their production lines. The results speak for themselves, with companies saving over 20% of their energy costs on average.
“The HVM Catapult is ready to help manufacturers up and down the UK to save money and become greener with easily adopted, cost-effective solutions.”
The toolkit process begins with an HVMC expert visit to an SME production site for an in-depth assessment of energy mix and usage. Using technology from smart sensor manufacturer Pressac, the experts identify key energy inefficiencies in the production line and offer energy-saving suggestions. The Catapult also analyses the greenhouse gas emissions of an SME’s energy usage, providing data that can help build a stronger market position on sustainability.
Mark Lawrance, director of strategic accounts at Pressac, said: “Pressac are pleased to be involved in this great initiative and firmly believe the use of our technology combined with the expertise of HVM Catapult will deliver tangible benefits. This is a great example of British technology supporting and strengthening British manufacturing in the global transition to the net zero economy.”
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