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Industrial Energy Management Decision Making for Improved Energy Efficiency—Strategic System Perspectives and Situated Action in Combination

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  • Patrik Thollander

    (Department of Management and Engineering, Division of Energy Systems, Linköping University, Linköping SE-581 83, Sweden
    Department of Building, Energy and Environment Engineering, University of Gävle, Gävle SE-801 76, Sweden)

  • Jenny Palm

    (Department of Thematic Studies—Technology and Social Change, Linköping University, Linköping SE-581 83, Sweden)

Abstract

Improved industrial energy efficiency is a cornerstone in climate change mitigation. Research results suggest that there is still major untapped potential for improved industrial energy efficiency. The major model used to explain the discrepancy between optimal level of energy efficiency and the current level is the barrier model, e.g., different barriers to energy efficiency inhibit adoption of cost-effective measures. The measures outlined in research and policy action plans are almost exclusively technology-oriented, but great potential for energy efficiency improvements is also found in operational measures. Both technology and operational measures are combined in successful energy management practices. Most research in the field of energy management is grounded in engineering science, and theoretical models on how energy management in industry is carried out are scarce. One way to further develop and improve energy management, both theoretically as well as practically, is to explore how a socio-technical perspective can contribute to this understanding. In this article we will further elaborate this potential of cross-pollinating these fields. The aim of this paper is to relate energy management to two theoretical models, situated action and transaction analysis. We conclude that the current model for energy management systems, the input-output model, is insufficient for understanding in-house industrial energy management practices. By the incorporation of situated action and transaction analysis to the currently used input-output model, an enhanced understanding of the complexity of energy management is gained. It is not possible to find a single energy management solution suitable for any industrial company, but rather the idea is to find a reflexive model that can be adjusted from time to time. An idea for such a reflexive model would contain the structural elements from energy management models with consideration for decisions being situated and impossible to predict.

Suggested Citation

  • Patrik Thollander & Jenny Palm, 2015. "Industrial Energy Management Decision Making for Improved Energy Efficiency—Strategic System Perspectives and Situated Action in Combination," Energies, MDPI, vol. 8(6), pages 1-10, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:8:y:2015:i:6:p:5694-5703:d:51130
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Backlund, Sandra & Thollander, Patrik & Palm, Jenny & Ottosson, Mikael, 2012. "Extending the energy efficiency gap," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 392-396.
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    Cited by:

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    7. Guglielmo Maria Caporale & Cristiana Donati & Nicola Spagnolo, 2023. "European SMEs and Resource Efficiency Measures: Firm Characteristics and Contextual Factors," CESifo Working Paper Series 10799, CESifo.
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    15. Kristaps Locmelis & Dagnija Blumberga & Andra Blumberga & Anna Kubule, 2020. "Benchmarking of Industrial Energy Efficiency. Outcomes of an Energy Audit Policy Program," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-15, May.
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    18. Vincenzo Dovì & Antonella Battaglini, 2015. "Energy Policy and Climate Change: A Multidisciplinary Approach to a Global Problem," Energies, MDPI, vol. 8(12), pages 1-8, November.
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    20. Victor A. Alcal Abraham & Elkin D. Alem n Causil & Vladimir Sousa Santos & Eliana Noriega Angarita & Julio R. G mez Sarduy, 2021. "Identification of Savings Opportunities in a Steel Manufacturing Industry," International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, Econjournals, vol. 11(4), pages 43-50.
    21. Thomas Zobel & Charlotte Malmgren, 2016. "Evaluating the Management System Approach for Industrial Energy Efficiency Improvements," Energies, MDPI, vol. 9(10), pages 1-12, September.
    22. Rogério Diogne de Souza e Silva & Rosana Cavalcante de Oliveira & Maria Emília de Lima Tostes, 2017. "Analysis of the Brazilian Energy Efficiency Program for Electricity Distribution Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(9), pages 1-19, September.
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    24. Kiril Simeonovski & Tamara Kaftandzieva & Gregory Brock, 2021. "Energy Efficiency Management across EU Countries: A DEA Approach," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-19, May.
    25. José Rafael Lopes & Salvador Ávila & Ricardo Kalid & Jorge Laureano Moya Rodríguez, 2018. "Energy Efficiency Improvement in Non-Intensive Energy Enterprises: A Framework Proposal," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(5), pages 1-16, May.

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