Dutch industry can reduce gas consumption by 16%

The Dutch industry can make a substantial contribution to rapidly reducing the demand for natural gas. By using energy more efficiently in various ways, around 1.5 billion m3 of natural gas can be saved structurally.

The savings potential of Dutch industry equals annual gas consumption of over 1.2 million households. This can be realised with relatively simple interventions. This is according to research by Berenschot into energy saving potential in industry, commissioned by Natuur & Milieu. 'There is a short-term opportunity here, without major process modifications, which should be given top priority,' says Natuur & Milieu.

Industry is the sector with the highest gas consumption in the Netherlands, accounting for about 30 per cent of the total. The chemical industry, and in particular fertiliser producers, are major consumers within it, Berenschot's analysis shows. There are several opportunities to quickly reduce the industry's natural gas consumption, without the need for drastic changes in the production process. Currently, companies often miss this opportunity and largely neglect their legal energy-saving obligation. Some of these relatively simple interventions include heat reuse and insulation measures.

Director of programmes at Natuur & Milieu Rob van Tilburg: 'Through a number of interventions, natural gas consumption can be reduced by at least 16%. This doesn't even require shutting down the production process. It really is low-hanging fruit. Moreover, as part of the expanded energy-saving legislation, it will be mandatory for all companies as of next year.'

Things industry can do

The reuse of heat within industry alone can save as much natural gas as the total natural gas consumption of all households in the municipality of Utrecht. Van Tilburg: 'Energy saving must finally be given top priority. With high gas prices, it is now very quickly profitable to cash in on all the technical potential savings. This will lead to more structural sustainability than temporarily shutting down production processes, as is happening now because of the gas crisis.'

Improve enforcement

With a combination of short-term measures, a CO2 saving of 2.6 Mton is possible, from a saving of some 1.5 billion m3 of natural gas, Berenschot calculated. From 1 January, the existing energy saving obligation that already exists for small companies will be extended, meaning that from then on large companies will also have to comply with it.

View the 'Energy saving in industry' study
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