Energy efficiency
The United Nations Sustainable Energy for All (SEFA) initiative proposes three goals: the promotion of access to energy, renewable energy and energy efficiency. On the last of these, the initiative has set the ambitious target of doubling energy efficiency by 20301. In monetary terms, such a result could lead to annual savings between 250 and 325 billion dollars2.
(1) UN, Sustainable Energy For All - An Action Agenda, 2012.
(2) UN, SEFA, Improving Energy Efficiency, 2013.
The progressive diffusion of energy management systems bears witness to our commitment to energy efficiency. At the end of 2013 eni obtained eight ISO 50001 certifications (the Venice refinery was among the first plants to be certified in Europe and the first in Italy).
8
ISO 50001 certifications obtained in 2013
800 thousand
reduction in tons of CO2 since 2008 in the refining and chemicals sectors.
The goal of the thermal power sector is to maintain the excellent efficiency levels obtained with the use of natural gas and the adoption of combined heat and power systems.
The refinery and chemicals sectors are the most well established, having started promoting energy efficiency programmes since 2000. The projects implemented between 2008 and 2013, enable energy savings of 327 thousand toe/year, at operating speed, amounting to a reduction in emissions of around 800 thousand tonnes of CO2. Over the next four years, energy saving projects will enable a further saving of 150 ktoe/year at operating speed. In the refining sector, in 2013 the EST plant in Sannazzaro was launched using innovative proprietary technology (1.1 billion euro of investment). This technology allows to process heavy crudes in order to obtain quality light fuels (diesel and naphtha) by separating the sulphur and reducing the residue to 1%, without producing heavy fuel oils.
With regard to research on industrial lubricants, eni has continued its collaboration with General Electric on two new formulae for high performance turbomachinery with advanced energy saving characteristics. The plan is to carry out a field trial with a turbine at the refinery in Livorno. Again in the field of high efficiency products, the chemical sector has developed an innovative material for the thermal insulation of buildings.
The goal of the thermal power sector is to maintain the excellent efficiency levels (406 gCO2 /KWh eq) achieved with the use of natural gas and the adoption of combined heat and power systems, sometimes accompanied by district heating networks.
