Papers by Patrik Thollander
Energies, 2021
The energy efficiency gap is known as the difference between optimal level of energy efficiency a... more The energy efficiency gap is known as the difference between optimal level of energy efficiency and the actual level of achieved energy efficiency. Energy management has proven to further close the energy efficiency gap. Energy management may differ depending on whether it concerns a large, energy-intensive company or small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). SMEs are of high interest since they form a large share of the economy today. For SMEs, a lighter form of energy management, in the form of energy efficiency network participation, has proven to deliver sound energy efficiency impact, while for larger, energy-intensive firms, a certified energy management system may be more suitable. However, various barriers inhibit adoption of energy efficiency measures. While there is an array of research on barriers to and driving forces for energy efficiency in general, research on barriers to, and driving forces for, energy management is rare, one exception being a study of energy-intens...
Sustainability, 2020
The two major reasons behind the world’s energy crisis are losses in energy transmission and less... more The two major reasons behind the world’s energy crisis are losses in energy transmission and less efficient energy use at sinks. The former flaw can be catered by changing the entire energy transmission system which requires investment and planning on a large scale, whereas the later deficiency can be overcome through proper management of energy utilizing systems. Energy-intensive industries have a substantial share in energy consumption and equally high energy saving potentials if they adopt some integrated and improved energy efficiency. This study investigates the energy management systems in the iron and steel sector of Pakistan, and compare it with findings of similar work in Sweden, Bangladesh, and Ghana. A systematic questionnaire was circulated in the iron and steel sector across the country and afterward the collected data was analyzed to find major barriers and drivers for efficient energy management practices. In addition, questions on non-energy benefits and information ...
Energies, 2021
Increasing energy efficiency within the industrial sector is one of the main approaches in order ... more Increasing energy efficiency within the industrial sector is one of the main approaches in order to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. The production and processing of aluminium is energy and greenhouse gas intensive. To make well-founded decisions regarding energy efficiency and greenhouse gas mitigating investments, it is necessary to have relevant key performance indicators and information about energy end-use. This paper develops a taxonomy and key performance indicators for energy end-use and greenhouse gas emissions in the aluminium industry and aluminium casting foundries. This taxonomy is applied to the Swedish aluminium industry and two foundries. Potentials for energy saving and greenhouse gas mitigation are estimated regarding static facility operation. Electrolysis in primary production is by far the largest energy using and greenhouse gas emitting process within the Swedish aluminium industry. Notably, almost half of the total greenhouse gas emissions from electrol...
Energies, 2020
Energy efficiency (EE) improvement is one of the most crucial elements in the decarbonization of ... more Energy efficiency (EE) improvement is one of the most crucial elements in the decarbonization of industry. EE potential within industries largely remains untapped due to the lack of information regarding potential EE measures (EEM), knowledge regarding energy use, and due to the existence of some inconsistencies in the evaluation of energy use. Classification of energy end-using processes would increase the understanding of energy use, which in turn would increase the detection and deployment of EEMs. The study presents a novel taxonomy with hierarchical levels for energy end-use in manufacturing operations for the engineering industry, analyzes processes in terms of energy end-use (EEU) and CO2 emissions, and scrutinizes energy performance indicators (EnPIs), as well as proposing potential new EnPIs that are suitable for the engineering industry. Even though the study has been conducted with a focus on the Swedish engineering industry, the study may be generalizable to the engineer...
Energies, 2018
With regard to increased sustainability, managers not only need to know WHAT is needed for their ... more With regard to increased sustainability, managers not only need to know WHAT is needed for their company to improve, but also HOW to do so in detail is equally important. Energy management (EnM) is a pillar to the transformation of industrial energy systems towards enhanced energy efficiency and increased sustainability. One way to develop more and improve EnM both practically and theoretically is to shed light on how the combination of techniques and operation can contribute to successful EnM. This paper, therefore, through investigation of 10 Swedish foundries aims to present the structure of the energy strategy and associated practices at first; second, to assess industry’s EnM program and maturity level; and third, to identify and understand the nature of energy efficiency promoting factors within studied cases.
Sustainability, 2018
The aim of this paper is to analyze and rank the managerial-organizational barriers to energy eff... more The aim of this paper is to analyze and rank the managerial-organizational barriers to energy efficiency improvement from an industry perspective. To that end, this study utilizes the Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) methodology to identify the contextual relationships among the barriers. In a focus group discussion forum, five practitioners from the steel industry were consulted to identify these mutual linkages. The results indicated that five of the eight barriers proposed are in the linkage category. These barriers include that the energy manager or people in charge of energy management lack influence, there are higher priorities to production activity, there is management resistance to change, there is inadequate management capacity, and there are conflicts of interest within the organization. The management should focus more attention on these barriers, because they have both high driving power and dependency. The findings are intended to help managers from manufacturing sectors identify key barriers and thus develop strategic plans to address these issues.
Sustainability, 2019
Together with increased shares of renewable energy supply, improved energy efficiency is the fore... more Together with increased shares of renewable energy supply, improved energy efficiency is the foremost means of mitigating climate change. However, the energy efficiency potential is far from being realized, which is commonly explained by the existence of various barriers to energy efficiency. Initially mentioned by Churchman, the term “wicked problems” became established in the 1970s, meaning a kind of problem that has a resistance to resolution because of incomplete, contradictory, or changing requirements. In the academic literature, wicked problems have later served as a critical model in the understanding of various challenges related to society, such as for example climate change mitigation. This aim of this paper is to analyze how the perspective of wicked problems can contribute to an enhanced understanding of improved energy efficiency. The paper draws examples from the manufacturing sector. Results indicate that standalone technology improvements as well as energy managemen...
Energies, 2019
Although several research studies have adopted specific energy consumption (SEC) as an indicator ... more Although several research studies have adopted specific energy consumption (SEC) as an indicator of the progress of improved energy efficiency, publications are scarce on critical assessments when using SEC. Given the increasing importance of monitoring improved industrial energy efficiency and the rising popularity of SEC as an energy key performance indicator (e-KPI), an in-depth analysis and problematization on the pros and cons of using SEC would appear to be needed. The aim of this article is to analyse SEC critically in relation to industrial energy efficiency. By using SEC in the pulp and paper industry as an example, the results of this exploratory study show that although SEC is often used as an e-KPI in industry, the comparison is not always straightforward. Challenges emanate from a lack of information about how SEC is calculated. It is likely that SEC is an optimal e-KPI within the same study, when all deployed SECs are calculated in the same way, and with the same under...
Energy Efficiency, 2018
Increased global competition and resource scarcity drives industrial companies to cut costs. Ener... more Increased global competition and resource scarcity drives industrial companies to cut costs. Energy can be a significant component of such cuts, particularly for energy-intensive companies. Improving energy efficiency in industry is complex, as it pertains to various energy-using processes that are heavily intertwined. One such process is the compressed air system (CAS), which is used in most industrial companies worldwide. Since energy efficiency improvement measures for various types of energy-using processes differ, technologyspecific measures might encounter different barriers to and drivers for energy efficiency. The same applies to the non-energy benefits (NEBs) related to energy efficiency improvement measures; since measures vary between various energy-using processes, the perceived NEBs might be different as well. The aim of this paper is to study the barriers to, drivers for and NEBs of CAS energy efficiency improvement measures from the perspectives of three actors. Carried out as an interview study combined with a questionnaire, the paper merges the perspectives of users, audit experts and suppliers of CASs. The results showed that the major barriers are related to the investment, or are of an organisational character, and that organisational and economic factors seemed to be important for making positive decisions on energy efficiency investments and measures in CASs. Major NEBs for CASs include productivity gains and the avoidance of capital expenditures. The results of this study also address the importance of having a comprehensive approach to recognise additional effects of energy efficiency improvements in CASs.
Energy Efficiency, 2016
Improving energy efficiency is a cornerstone in climate change mitigation, and energy services ar... more Improving energy efficiency is a cornerstone in climate change mitigation, and energy services are portrayed as a promising market-based approach to achieve this. This paper examines the barriers to, and driving forces needed for, the implementation of energy services from the perspective of Swedish local and regional energy companies. This includes an analysis of the resources needed in three phases of energy service implementation, i.e., development, sales, and deployment. The results indicate a supply-side interest in providing energy services, with the major challenges being related to (a) intraorganizational issues such as a lack of strategic direction and intent and (b) a perceived lack of knowledge, interest, and trust on the part of potential energy service customers. The paper concludes with managerial and policy implications on how an increased focus and impact of energy service can be achieved among local and regional companies.
A large potential for energy efficiency exists in industry but the adoption of energy efficiency ... more A large potential for energy efficiency exists in industry but the adoption of energy efficiency measures is often inhibited by various barriers. Different means to overcome these barriers and promote energy efficiency in industry exist, one of the most promising being energy services. Earlier research shows that while many barriers could be overcome by energy services, the industry's ranking and adoption of energy services are very low. By applying an interdisciplinary approach using barrier theory, socio-technical regimes, and IPSE (Integrated Product Service Engineering) to energy services in industry, the aim of this paper is to i) theoretically explain why there is a considerable discrepancy between the potential for energy services in industry and their adoption, and ii), partly based on i) and by applying an interdisciplinary approach, attempt to explore ways of reaching a satisfactory level of energy services in industry.
Energies, 2015
Improved industrial energy efficiency is a cornerstone in climate change mitigation. Research res... more 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
Energy Procedia, 2015
Environmental concerns, stricter legislation and inflated energy costs together yield improved en... more Environmental concerns, stricter legislation and inflated energy costs together yield improved energy efficiency as an important pillar in every industrial sector. Mindful of this challenge, energy management and its related practices are deemed to be one of the major instruments to improve energy efficiency within manufacturing companies. Despite the importance of this issue, there is no precise and unanimous definition for energy management practices. Moreover, very few papers investigate energy efficiency opportunities and/or energy management practices in foundry industry. This paper aims to identify, classify and characterize energy management practices through their definition, with respect to energy efficiency, that could take place in a foundry industry.
Improving Energy Efficiency in Industrial Energy Systems, 2013
Improving Energy Efficiency in Industrial Energy Systems, 2012
In this concluding chapter, we summarize and discuss our main findings, and suggest possible ways... more In this concluding chapter, we summarize and discuss our main findings, and suggest possible ways forward when it comes to narrowing the energy efficiency gap. We elaborate on the book’s findings in terms of three system levels, i.e., technology, management, and policy. This examination outlines the need to extend the classical view of the energy efficiency gap, which sees it as a solely technological matter, and introduces two new terms, the energy management gap and the energy policy gap. The energy management gap refers to the need to address energy strategically in a company to improve energy efficiency. The energy policy gap refers to the lack of energy policy specifically targeting industrial SMEs, partly because it is difficult to formulate policy for such a diverse group. Narrowing the energy policy gap calls for strict policy making together with government strategies to decentralize power and devolve responsibility to industry.
Improving Energy Efficiency in Industrial Energy Systems, 2012
In this chapter, we discuss how barrier theory can be developed, by introducing a multi-level per... more In this chapter, we discuss how barrier theory can be developed, by introducing a multi-level perspective focusing on the social context in which decisions are embedded and taking account of the values and traditions established within, for example, sociotechnical regimes. We also discuss how lessons learned regarding energy use in practices other than industry can build our understanding of the barriers to and enablers of energy efficiency. We reexamine the barriers introduced in “Barriers to Energy Efficiency: Theoretical Baseline, Previous Research, and Methodological Approaches” and discuss them in relation to social science theoretical perspectives. Throughout the book, we emphasize that it is important to approach barriers from new perspectives, to arrive at new understandings or questions as to why a particular barrier is perceived as important in a company. We conclude this chapter by presenting a new way of classifying barriers and considering the impact this might have on our approach to the energy efficiency gap.
Improving Energy Efficiency in Industrial Energy Systems, 2012
In this chapter, we examine energy management and the need to work strategically on energy in a c... more In this chapter, we examine energy management and the need to work strategically on energy in a company. An internal energy management program is a key means by which an industrial company can overcome barriers and improve its energy efficiency. Energy management can be defined as the procedures by which a company works strategically on energy, while an energy management system is a tool for implementing these procedures; these two concepts are often mixed or used interchangeably. We discuss why industrial companies need to work on energy management while empowering the individuals within their organizations. An industrial company that takes a strategic approach to energy management may reduce its energy use by up to 40 %. Energy management concerns the ability to combine strong leadership with delegated authority as concerns energy issues. Energy management research can be developed by complementing existing questionnaire and interview studies with observational research.
Improving Energy Efficiency in Industrial Energy Systems, 2012
In this chapter, we will discuss earlier research into the often acknowledged “energy efficiency ... more In this chapter, we will discuss earlier research into the often acknowledged “energy efficiency gap.” This concept refers to the assumption that though technologies, methods, and processes exist for reducing energy use in industry, barriers hinder their implementation. To reduce the energy efficiency gap, researchers have defined and analyzed barriers identified in industry. Studies classify these barriers in various ways; here, we will discuss a categorization of these barriers as market failure, nonmarket failure, behavioral, and organizational barriers. This chapter also deals with the major research design approaches used in barrier research and cites examples from studies of barriers. We also believe that structural barriers, unrelated to the site level, as well as energy services must be considered when discussing the energy efficiency gap and how to resolve the gap.
Improving Energy Efficiency in Industrial Energy Systems, 2012
In this chapter, we discuss public policy as a way for governments to achieve energy-related targ... more In this chapter, we discuss public policy as a way for governments to achieve energy-related targets. Policy seeks to influence people’s behavior, so that they will act in accordance with policy maker wishes. We introduce research into public policy and discuss various policy instruments applicable to industrial SMEs. We also introduce the ecological modernization concept that, in policy analysis, captures the belief that economic and ecological values can be combined symbiotically. In this chapter, we discuss the rebound effect. This chapter also describes the EU’s energy end-use efficiency and energy services directive (ESD), which came into force in 2006 and addresses several policy areas, as well as the EU emissions trading scheme. We problematize the fact that an EU policy, for example, may influence one part of the EU but not another, and that policy formulation is not the same as policy implementation—energy efficiency policy goals often being much higher than the results achieved. We also review earlier research into energy audit programs and discuss how an industrial energy program should be designed to facilitate program success.
Improving Energy Efficiency in Industrial Energy Systems, 2012
The improvement of energy efficiency in industry is the focus of this book. We apply an interdisc... more The improvement of energy efficiency in industry is the focus of this book. We apply an interdisciplinary perspective in examining energy efficiency in small- and medium-sized enterprises. In this introductory chapter, we present the book’s aim and contributions. We discuss various perspectives on energy systems and why an interdisciplinary approach to energy efficiency in industry is urgently needed. We elaborate on interdisciplinarity and what it means in practice. The chapter also includes a brief discussion on sustainability and its principles, the differences between the perspectives of individual companies and of the government, and ends by outlining how the book is organized.
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Papers by Patrik Thollander