Energy consumption points in the agri-food industry

The agri-food industry involves high energy consumption, particularly for the implementation of product transformation and packaging processes.
Energy consumption is mainly related to heating, cooling, and hot water production. In this article, we will see that other activities are also very energy-intensive.
To reduce its energy consumption, the agri-food industry can adopt multiple measures such as improving the energy efficiency of machines and processes or using renewable energy sources…

A higher equivalent petroleum ton (EPT) means that the fuel or energy source has a greater amount of energy per unit of mass, which means that the fuel is more concentrated and more powerful. This can lead to an increase in emissions, as more energy is needed to produce the same amount of energy. More concentrated and powerful fuels are also more harmful to the environment and can be more difficult to manage and dispose of properly.

The EPT is the oil equivalent for the use of a type of energy. For example:

– for a ton of butane, it is equivalent to 1.095 tons of oil used,
– for a ton of heavy fuel oil, it is equivalent to 0.952 tons of oil used.

Please note, this does not mean that heavy fuel oil is preferable to butane, as these two energy sources have different efficiencies. For example, if, to power your packaging line, it is necessary to consume either 2 tons of heavy fuel oil or 1 ton of butane, butane will still be preferred, despite a higher EPT per ton.

It is easy to get lost in tables and equivalences when looking for an alternative energy source. This is why Dametis experts accompany you in choosing more profitable and greener energies, to help you optimize the energy consumption of your agri-food production chain.

Every year, production processes are improved, and renewable energies are becoming more and more accessible and easy to use in companies. This leads to a gradual decrease in consumption in the industry. Since 2005, the consumption of industries with more than 20 employees in France has decreased by 20% according to the Insee website.

On the other hand, the food industry is lagging behind, as energy consumption in the food industry is only decreasing by 7% (10% at equivalent production).

However, the majority of this energy saving was achieved between 2008 and 2009, when the industry’s gross consumption dropped from 42.26 million TEP to 36.5 million TEP. It is also worth noting that in 2005, we started from 44 million TEP, while the latest figures from 2019 indicate 35.1 million TEP.

While the numbers are encouraging, it is important to remain vigilant as the decrease in energy consumption in the industry was largely driven by:

– a decrease in production due to the 2009 crisis
– a decrease in the number of industries in France due to relocation

What are the most energy-intensive agri-food industries and what solutions can be implemented to effectively reduce their consumption?

In France, the industries with the highest gross total energy consumption (TEP) are those producing confectionery, dairy products, and products made from cereals such as flour.

In France, the highest average TEP per factory is found in specialized agri-food industries producing cereal-based products. This industry is followed at a distance by dairy producers. It is worth noting that the average consumption of a single meat producer is among the lowest in the agri-food industry.

(*) This data comes from the source Agreste, Figures & Data N°2022-10, published in August 2022. To learn more, click here.

Depending on the products sold, energy consumption and carbon impact vary. Here are the main areas that drain the most energy:

• Transformation processes: indeed, the most energy-consuming industries are sugar refineries and starch producers. These industries involve significant transformation of raw materials. This includes numerous transports and long production chains, involving energy-intensive industrial equipment.
• Transport methods: transportation accounts for 29% of CO2 emissions in France and is an integral part of the industry. Products transported by truck, cargo container ships, and even, especially for certain fruits and vegetables, by plane, increase both your bill and your energy impact.
• Storage constraints: some products require specific storage. Refrigerated trucks and warehouses, humidity regulation are all measures that require additional energy.
• Production quantities: logically, the more an industry produces, the more its machines are active, the more it stores, and the more it needs to transport raw materials and deliver finished products.

There are many other factors of energy consumption. The above list consists of a few examples where concrete action is possible, especially through the audit and advice of Dametis’ experts.

1. Use of more energy-efficient equipment: using more efficient and energy-saving equipment can help reduce costs and energy consumption.

2. Optimize existing processes: a few automation adjustments can make a difference.

3. Implement energy sobriety actions: such as labeling light switches, avoiding leaving machines on standby… are small actions that, when combined, represent a significant saving.

4. Use of more efficient energy management: Energy Management Systems (EMS) can help companies monitor and reduce their energy consumption.

5. Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT): ICT can be used to control and monitor energy consumption, and to implement energy efficiency plans.

6. Use of advanced technologies: utilizing advanced technologies can help reduce energy consumption.

7. Use of renewable energy sources: using renewable energy sources such as solar energy and wind energy can reduce energy consumption.