Energy saving in industry is rising rapidly on the agenda. Not only because of the need to reduce CO₂ emissions, but also to lower costs and reduce dependence on external energy sources. Against this background, the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth has decided to support our sector in identifying concrete measures for energy savings and emission reduction. This support is provided through the VIBE 2030programme (Acceleration of Industrial Energy Savings), an initiative of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, implemented by FME (the employers’ organisation for the technological industry) and VEMW (the association for business energy and water users).

From ambition to concrete measures

Many companies are looking to take steps towards lower energy costs and reduced dependence on natural gas. In practice, however, they encounter similar questions: which measures are relevant for my installation, what do they cost, what do they deliver, and how complex is implementation? In addition, boundary conditions such as grid capacity, permits and available subsidies also play a role. The VIBE 2030 programme responds to this by no longer placing these questions solely on individual companies, but by addressing them collectively and in a sector-specific way. This represents an important step from ambition to concrete, practical solutions.

Sector-specific approach with VIBE Toolkits

At the heart of the programme is the development of so-called VIBE Toolkits: practical instruments that support companies in making well-informed decisions. These toolkits combine direction, analytical capability and practical examples in one integrated approach.

• The VIBE Navigator identifies the most promising energy-saving solutions for a standardised production environment within the sector, including technical and financial conditions.
• The VIBE Calculator enables companies to model these solutions for their own operations, taking into account specific installations and energy prices.
• The VIBE Catalogue shows how comparable measures are applied in practice, both in the Netherlands and internationally, and the results they deliver.

Together, these instruments provide companies with the means to make systematic and well-founded choices for energy savings.

Focus on energy-intensive processes

Within this programme, MVO focuses specifically on a number of energy-intensive processes that are characteristic of the sector, including crushing, refining and biodiesel production. By focusing on these areas, the impact of the project can be maximised.

To ensure that the tools developed align well with practice, MVO actively involves its members. A sounding board group will be established to work together with the advisors in shaping relevant and feasible measures.

The project runs from April to June and represents an important step in accelerating energy savings within the sector. By pooling knowledge and experience, a shared understanding emerges of what works – and what is needed to take further steps.