Energy efficiency 01 August 2012

With energy-related issues topping most plant engineers' agendas, Laura Cork looks ahead to the forthcoming Energy Event, which promises a packed educational programme

As plants and factories strive to reduce energy costs and capitalise on low-carbon opportunities, so the requirement for up-to-date advice has never been higher. So the upcoming Energy Event, which offers a chance to meet 150 exhibitors and attend the accompanying conferences and seminars, is one not to be missed, given the experience and technology on tap.
The show takes place on 11—12 September at the NEC, Birmingham and is co-located with two other events – the Renewables Event, which is new this year and focuses on renewable energy technologies for industrial and commercial sites, and Resource Efficiency & Waste Management (formerly Recycling and Waste Management, RWM: see page XX).

The Energy Event is backed by many associations and business groups, including ESTA (the Energy Services and Technology Association), the Major Energy Users' Council, the Energy Institute, Waterwise, GAMBICA (the Association for Instrumentation, Control, Automation & Laboratory Technology), BCAS (British Compressed Air Society), BCIA (Building Controls Industry Association) and Water Technology List.

Looking at the exhibitor line-up, Haven Power, Atlas Copco, Mattei, EcoCooling and Mitsubishi Electrical are of particular interest to plant engineers and engineering managers. Dairy business Muller has benefited from electricity supplier Haven Power's pricing policy, while compressor supplier Atlas Copco helped agricultural equipment manufacturer Simba International with a major refurbishment programme to meet production and environmental targets.

Meanwhile, Mitsubishi Electrical will demonstrate how it helped gain a 65% reduction in energy consumption for automotive mirror maker Flabeg in Birmingham. Then rotary vane compressor manufacturer Mattei will be highlighting how plants can improve the energy efficiency of their air systems, with experts offering advice and guidance on energy-saving compressor technologies – from its Maxima single stage unit to the Optima variable speed drive range, which regulates output in accordance with load profile. Throughout the show, Mattei will also be highlighting associated energy reducing solutions, such as its leakage detection and leakage repair service.

Also, watch out for Wind Direct will be undertaking free site assessments, where visitors can find out if their site could be suitable for on-site, capital-free power generation from wind. The company uses software tools to perform pre-site assessments, checking for constraints, such as proximity to housing, airports or national parks.

Four conference theatres will play host to more than 50 CPD-certified seminar sessions, all free to attend. The Energy Insight Conference, the Energy Information Theatre, the ESTA Theatre and the Hosted Content Theatre combine to offer a packed educational programme.

The Energy Information Theatre features case studies from large energy users, such as Wales and West Utilities, which secured a £2 million saving, thanks to accurate monitoring systems as part of its energy management strategy. There will also be a practical study looking at how to change user behaviour and the resulting energy savings.

Additionally, keynote speakers will offer some guidance and frank views. For example, James Woudhuysen, professor of forecasting and innovation at De Montford University, will explain why he predicts that power cuts are coming and why subsidies don't work.

Elsewhere, the ESTA Theatre will be hosting seminars designed primarily for energy managers, looking at principles, awareness of policy issues and effective implementation to ensure worthwhile savings. The organisation also promises to focus on maintenance and management costs, which will help plant managers to understand how to bring energy costs down.

Moving on, the Energy Insight Conference is due to debate issues of the moment, including energy purchasing and carbon reduction policies. Debate on the first day will be chaired by Daisy McAndrew, ITV News special correspondent. Speakers include: Philip Lowe, director general for energy at the European Commission, talking about the investment needed to meet European electricity demand; Volker Beckers, CEO of RWE npower, covering the future of energy use in the UK; and Chris Train of the National Grid, who will be discussing low carbon energy sources.
Visitors will also hear from Professor Brian Cox and Alastair Campbell, who will be answering questions on the universe and politics, spin, and communications strategy.
Finally, the Hosted Content Theatre will feature presentations run by a mix of associations and exhibitors, including Waterwise and nPower. Subjects covered will range from water efficiency to energy procurement, and there will be a live energy debate.

Registration is free: go to www.theenergyevent.com/pr and enter priority code EPR7.

Laura Cork

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