Applying Energy Management in Textile Industry, Case Study: An Egyptian Textile Plant

Abstract

Textile industry in Egypt is energy intensive and is one of the top energy consumers in the country. Both the global and local energy crisis, in addition to high cost of fuels led to additional activities to conserve and manage energy in the best possible ways. The study aimed to investigate and apply a proper Energy Management System (EMS) for the textile industry and identify potential savings by applying novel approaches. An energy management system was implemented in a local textile plant. According to ISO 50001:2011 the energy management system was built on the ISO quality management system’s philosophy of Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) continual improvement framework. A number of improvement actions were identified, related cost savings were calculated and an action plan was developed for the implementation of those improvements. The identified actions which had highest cost savings were: usage of efficient lighting systems, arresting compressed air leaks, replacement of inefficient pumps and recovery of steam condensate. The established system was cost efficient and the applied actions for improvement can be implemented in the different industries.