Energy management system in industry. Experience in Latvia

Panel: 3. Energy use in industry: The road from policy to action

This is a peer-reviewed paper.

Authors:
Liga Ozolina, Riga Technical University, Institute of Energy Systems and Environment, Latvia
Marika Rošā, Riga Technical University , Institute of Energy Systems and Environment, Latvia
Dagnija Blumberga, Riga Technical University, Institute of Energy Systems and Environment, Latvia
Silvija Nora Kalniņš, Riga Technical University, Institute of Energy Systems and Environment, Latvia

Abstract

Even though it is a well known fact that energy efficiency measures provide economic benefits, Latvian industries do not make a special effort to introduce them. This irrational behaviour usually is described as the lack of financial resources, and the behavioural barriers are not always taken into account. Based on the experience with European Union founded project ExBESS (Benchmarking and Energy Management Schemes for SMEs) the behavioural barrier to EMS and energy efficiency in general are analyzed by carrying out five in-depth interviews with representatives from SMEs. Also, the connection between respondents’ attitude towards energy efficiency and companies’ energy efficiency performance have been evaluated based on the quantitative research method. The results showed that each industrial company should be examined as one system and it is important to identify the archetype of the system. Based on the results of quantitative and qualitative analysis hypothetical system dynamic model with causal loop diagram was developed. Although analysis has been performed for Latvian industrial companies obtained results can be applied for all Member States but especially for the new Member States.