Energy management becomes a strategic competitive factor for industry

Energy management is increasingly becoming a strategic competitive factor for companies due to market fluctuations, the expansion of renewable energy, and rising ESG requirements. Herbert Warnecke of EWE notes that energy is no longer just a cost block but a factor involving transparency in consumption and CO2 emissions, driven by electrification and geopolitical influences.

Effective strategies now focus on consumption and flexibility rather than just procurement. Key components include photovoltaics, battery storage, and energy management systems to control energy flows and increase planning security.

As a practical example, the German manufacturer Häwa has utilized DIN ISO 50001 energy management since 2014. Through the use of certified green electricity, replacing fossil fuels, and implementing photovoltaics, the company has achieved a CO2 reduction of approximately 1,600 tonnes since 2022. Häwa is also implementing heat recovery technologies and biomass-based heating to further reduce energy requirements.