The manufacturing industry has conventionally been an energy-intensive sector. Fossil fuels have been the major energy source for a very long time. Burning of fossil fuels results in the release of GHG and other pollutants.
Progressing ahead, India is set to achieve its sustainability goals. This puts the manufacturing industry under pressure to reduce its carbon footprint.
Green energy solutions can help the manufacturing sector attain the desired sustainability in the future.
What is a green energy source?
Green energy is produced using renewable sources such as wind, water, and sun. These energy sources do not pollute the environment, unlike fossil fuels, which emit carbon emissions when burned. Green energy’s zero-carbon footprint makes it an excellent choice for a sustainable future.
How are manufacturing companies using green energy sources?
- Heat generation: Manufacturing processes require significant heat, which accounts for two-thirds of industrial energy demand. Large manufacturing units use biomass as a renewable alternative for heat generation due to its low production costs and local availability.
- Long-term energy security: The volatility of non-renewable energy prices poses challenges for manufacturers. By adopting renewable energy sources, manufacturing companies can secure stable and predictable energy costs, enhancing their operational efficiency and sustainability.
- Speeding up raw material process: The transformation of raw materials into finished products is energy-intensive.
Using renewable energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels and manufacturing companies ease budgetary and environmental burdens associated with traditional energy sources by utilizing renewable energy. - Captive power generation: Many large industrial facilities are investing in captive power generation, particularly wind and solar, to lessen the risk of electricity shortages.
This approach is used by many industries like cement, chemical, iron & steel, light engineering, ceramic industry, paper, sugar industry, and dairy to make the most of renewable energy.
Benefits of Green Energy Solutions
1. Environmental sustainability
India is striving to achieve net zero emissions by the end of 2070, a goal set at the United Nations Climate Change Conference. By adopting green energy solutions, manufacturing industries in India can contribute to sustainability initiatives.
Carbon emissions are generated from the export and import of fossil fuels used for energy supply. Industries can reduce such emissions by switching to green energy solutions.
2. Positive brand image
The consumer preferences are changing. According to a survey, customers prefer sustainable goods and are willing to pay 9.7% more to purchase them. Marketing industries can take advantage of these changing customer preferences to stand out from the competition. They can market their green energy source to improve their brand image.
3. Consistent power supply
Manufacturing industries have a supply chain that is heavily dependent on power supply. Consistent power supply with green energy sources has been questioned but not anymore. Wind, hydro, and solar energy-based green energy solutions can be used with better and advanced storage.
With the evolution of grid-scale battery technology, manufacturing companies will be able to store green energy-generated electricity for a longer term. This stored electricity can be used in the time period when renewable energy sources produce inconsistent or negligible power.
4. Energy Independence
The fossil fuels market is unpredictable and the prices can shoot up anytime. Manufacturing industries in India can make a shift towards renewable energies for energy independence. They can connect with green energy companies like KP Group for their energy supplies. Besides environmental stewardship, they can make sustainable growth with green energy.
5. Better efficiency with technological advancements
The green energy sector is growing at a fast pace with technological advancements and innovations. More efficient, light, and powerful solar panels are being developed to generate electricity even with low-intensity sunlight.
New thermoplastic composite material in the turbines used in hydropower generation is another innovation. This material is less corrodible than the conventional material. Such technological feats are set to enhance the efficiency of green energy power generation systems. Manufacturing industries in India can benefit from these advancements in the future.
6. Health and safety benefits
Burning of fossil fuels gives out harmful emissions with pollutants. But green energy solutions do not emit harmful emissions. Manufacturing industries have community settlements. Sometimes, the families of the employees live near the factory.
Opting for green energy solutions allows industries to take care of employee wellbeing by providing a safer work environment.
Conclusion
Green energy solutions affect manufacturing industries in multiple ways. Its major benefits include cost-effectiveness, reliability, efficiency, positive brand image, and health benefits.
Many companies like KP Group generate green energy and can help manufacturing companies adopt green energy as a power source.
Advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are empowering the Indian manufacturing sector with advanced technologies capable of using green energy.
Switching to green energy is a way of developing resilient business practices. The next generation of manufacturing industries will further amplify the use of renewable energy in the manufacturing sector.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q.1. What are green energy solutions in manufacturing?
Ans : Green energy solutions in manufacturing include renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro power, as well as energy-efficient technologies and practices that reduce the environmental impact of production processes.
Q.2. How do green energy solutions improve environmental sustainability in manufacturing?
Ans: Green energy solutions reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and minimize environmental degradation, leading to a cleaner and more sustainable manufacturing process.
Q.3. How does green energy integration impact manufacturing efficiency?
Ans: Green energy solutions can enhance efficiency by optimizing energy use, reducing waste, and improving the overall reliability and performance of manufacturing equipment.
