What challenges do you face in energy management?

One of the Biggest challenge in Energy management sector is their legacy installations. Most of the grids and sub stations are almost of 25-30 years old and creating huge challenge in terms of data acquisition and compliant on regulatory requirements. Today’s data driven world, it is upmost important and required to have communication enabled devices at all levels.

It is very important to stay updated with regulatory compliances. The world is moving towards a “sustainable future by reducing carbon emissions”. For example in facilities HVAC systems contribute to more than 70% of energy consumption leading to CO2 emissions along with HFC, PFC and Sf6 gases. Compared to CO2, SF6 is 23500 times deadlier in impacting our environment. As we think, we are not contributing much in global emissions, the effect of global warming and carbon emissions is for everyone. So it is imperative to have regulatory bodies to communicate these kind of effects and compliances to adhere to the goals of the world. In my opinion, this is a positive challenge because we are contributing collectively to a greater cause.

One of the main challenges is the budget allocation It is hard to get business approval for CAPEX / OPEX related to Energy Monitoring tool for example which is essential part to ensure proper and accurate energy management based on the fact ( what you can’t measure you can’t control or manage) Having a solid business case that can justify the ROI from purchasing such tools is a key success factor

1. Data availability in the system 2. Data sharing intent from the data owners 3. Data reliability and sanctity 4. Regulatory intent to implement the desired change 5. Lack of meritocracy culture for award of work

In my experience, lately, one of the hardest obstacles to overcome is to have people understand the push of the electric vehicle is a bad move. It is not environmentally friendly, it is not financially in the consumers favor, and the mobility spectrum of what you can get out of it compared to gasoline is a moot point. Unfortunately, everybody believes that this is the way for the future to save the planet, and the fact of the matter is our country is Amir less than 1% of the contributor

Data plays a key role in an energy management system. Data is the main element in monitoring and demonstrating continual energy performance improvement. In order to make better use of data and analyze them, it is necessary to develop an Energy Information Management System (EMIS). A necessary condition for the development of such a system is the production of data through the installation of meters and instruments within the boundaries of the system. That is less noticed by organizations due to various technical and financial reasons.

The 'You can't manage what you don't measure' mantra couldn't apply more than in holistic energy management. “Data analytics is the future, and the future is NOW! Every mouse click, keyboard button press, swipe or tap is used to shape business decisions. Everything is about data these days. Data is information, and information is power.” ~ Radi, data analyst at CENTOGENE I will add that real transformation has a direct corralation to the accuracy of data. Quality data can help companies make decisions that are actionable. Many energy managers are using historical data for the basis of market purchasing decisions. This is like trading stocks based on last years newspaper. Real-time and holistic energy management is the future.

The road to Energy Management should start with the availability of quality data. Very often we hear building owners struggle to even decide where they can start because data is not available. The need to embrace technology and invest in smart meters and sensors to create a digital twin cannot be stressed more. With this first step, the journey of energy management and optimization would be a much smoother one.

Even if there are not enough resources to invest in new meters, try to make use of the existing one or two main meters and maximize the benefit of the single data point you have. Having a single baseline and only one energy performance indicator would definitely make a good start. Later on after showing improvement in energy performance, you can consider gradually adding more meters that measure significant energy users.

Yes, Data collection through different available resources (meters, online instruments and other measuring devices) is the core step to establish the EnMS, but it may form a challenge to the entity professionals according to the distribution and quality status of those resources, So here is the role of energy team members who play the game of how could they manage by identifying the SEU's to focus on as a first step to analyze and improve, then a road map shall be tailored to seize the benefit of previous step for providing the needed extra instruments or software .

In my experience I believe sustainability targets should be part of the score cards of the senior management of any organization, this will create the power needed to accomplish what we promise to our environment.

In my opinion and as per my experience the challenges do we face in energy management that sustainability/energy management if considered and started in project/Construction phase will be more effective and release the hiegh pressure on operation stages.

To the data point, without actionable data stakeholder buy-in cannot be achieved. The business case for improvement is difficult enough but with clear direction and accuracy of numbers underpinning, engagement at all levels can be achieved.

Energy managers usually lead cross functional teams and deliver results through them. However, the key priorities for these members is usually not energy management. Hence, engagement with team members and other stakeholders to understand their concerns as well as motivations in crucial in getting buy inand support for the program.

We've supplied the Endocube energy Saving device for refrigeration systems operating 24/7 to prestigious hotels like the Fairmont, Intercontinental, Hyatt Regency, St. Regis Hotels and many other hotels. It's reduced their energy usage, minimised their carbon footprint, and brought them closer to their sustainability targets. However, despite proven results from their own independent testing, we've faced resistance, even within the same hotel group in different locations yet they continue to promote an eco-friendly image to guests, essentially participating in 'Greenwashing.' Having a standardised reporting system across hotel chains for approved energy-saving and sustainable products could be beneficial.

Energy storage faces challenges in cost, efficiency, and scalability. Batteries, for example, can be expensive and have limited lifespans. Renewables also depend on weather conditions, requiring reliable storage for consistent energy supply. Solving these issues is crucial for a sustainable energy future.

Rightly said on moving forward with technology integrations as Example, Power Economy Middle East Company in UAE collaborating with OEMs/Technology partners and offering the advanced energy management solutions to Utilities/Industries assisting as system integrator in the open market. As the technologies keep evolving, it's our responsibility to keep the system updated and running at its optimal requirements.

Every time you need to upgrade, extent system components or install new ones, you will need to fix the compatibility with all the connections. In energy, you will always have two main connecting types: communication and strong currents. Compatibility will be required for both.

There are an unbelievable number of innovative solutions of energy supplying methods, the globally movement towards the Renewable and clean Energy caused the investment in them exceeded the fossil energy's for the first time. The way to sustainable and longlasting forms of energy supply is paving in a fast pace. For instance, Nuclear Microturbine is now a commercially available source for domestic purposes, whose fuel is substituted every 3 years.

Regarding the integration of different technologies, the first issue to consider is the nature of the energy. Diversifying the energy mix may result in healthy management in all senses. Secondly, energy use: is it for critical supply, trading, or everyday use? The final service influences the integration of energy carriers. For example, Hydrogen technology involves chemical, electrical, thermal and mechanical energy. The integration of the necessary technologies may differ depending on the use. It is not the same as producing hydrogen for energy storage as generating it as a raw material for different manufacturing porcesses. The example clearly illustrates the interaction between all the parts.

In addition to the technical skills, change management is crucial in achieving the intended outcomes. People are always uncomfortable with changes, they like to keep doing things the same way they used to. Therefore, it is important to accommodate some resources to train the people on how to facilitate this change, for the sake of achieving the intended outcomes of energy management which is the continual improvement in the energy performance.

One of the biggest challenges in energy sector is technical skill in order to supply energy to residential or commercial sector effectively and efficiently. However industries are much more equipped with technical standards and staff then residential and commercial sectors.

In my perspective both innovation and adaptation are certainly vital; it is strategically important to use mix energy with auto synchronization computerized system proportionally as a back up usage. In case; If there is any disruption to power. Example air conditions both cooling or heating are usually demanding torque load to start and then sustained load.

In my experience especially for energy management, the adaption to new technologies is always a challenge. For example retrofit way of energy management is more appreciated than predictive and prescriptive analytics based energy management. Recently studies show that improving the asset Lifecycle along with analytics based energy management of the existing assets can lead to faster ROI’s

Innovation is vital for advancing energy storage and renewables. Breakthroughs in materials, design, and grid integration can enhance efficiency and reduce costs. Collaboration between industries, research institutions, and governments is key to fostering innovation in these critical areas.

In my experience, it is instrumental for facility managers to have a well-thought-out “Buy and make” strategy. Investing time and resources in projects that “re-invent the wheel” keeps you occupied in recreating what the market already offers at scale (the Buy) while missing out on real opportunities to develop projects specific to your facility and operation. Projects that serve the unique needs of your process are indeed where you should invest your in-house resources (The Make). Data analysis, Dashboards, Predictive Analytics, and Digital Twin models are readily available at scale for mainstream processes and infrastructure applications, while the specific know-how to optimize a particular facility’s operational environment is not.

The main challenges for energy management in my opinion: 1) Not having buy in from CFO/CEO 2) Audit reports end up with wrong people 3) Energy audit reports too long and not showing financial and other benefits 4) Ignorance on what can be done "Too Good To be True". Often a reaction by management. 5) Fear of change within an organisation. 6) Not enough trust in the proposed technology At the outset - have the CFO and CEO principal approval. Your proposal needs to show the financial benefits and all none financial benefits. From my experience, most energy audits and assessments have been written for the plant room engineers, too technical (car manual style) and end up in a drawer. Fear of change - people resistance Concerns it may not work

Challenges amongst others that are faced by the managers of Energy use includes the following, 1. Data Collection and optimization. 2. Management buy in. 3. Capital allocation.

The most important issue related to energy management is citizen awareness. We believe that energy is infinite, just as water can be supplied without much effort from a watertap. And we also believe that the energy we use will have a positive impact. However, just as we cannot adapt to sudden environmental changes such as droughts and floods, we will not be able to adapt to sudden changes in energy supply or demand. Because there is no consciousness. Awareness cannot be created through regulations or campaigns. Only through industry will our citizens move. Therefore, we need to transform the current centralized energy industry into a decentralized one.

-No Management commitment -Low competency of shop floor staff -No experts deployed -Less automation implementation - No mandate from govt