The expression Industry 4.0 is related to the fourth industrial revolution, mainly based on increasingly digitized and connected systems.
Innovation, sustainability, interconnection, with the aim of revitalizing the Italian production system for the growth and benefit of the country.
Digital evolution represents progress, with the introduction of smart connected products, intelligent and interconnected products; it is crucial in the energy efficiency sector as, through the integration of information, digital, enhanced, innovative, constantly connected systems, energy consumption can be reduced and made more efficient.
The goals set by the MiSE in the National Industry 4.0 Plan are as follows:
- Mobilization of increased investment by 2020 for innovation and competitiveness
- digitization of production processes
- Enhancement of worker productivity and training of appropriate skills
- research and development
Big data and Cloud: the digitization of production processes
The digitization of energy affects several sectors: buildings, public lighting, mobility, infrastructure. Digital energy involves the use of information systems that are able to ensure maximum efficiency in the distribution phase and its monitoring. This leads to the collection of a large amount of data – Big Data – and the use of the Cloud.
The Cloud becomes necessary for the collection of all information necessary for the operation of the production process, enabling machinery and/or devices to be connected.
Communication, exchange and update of information, both real time and remotely.
On-line at any place in the world.
Digital Energy: energy goes digital and smart
With the spread of renewable energy and storage comes the spread of the Smart Grid model and the use of devices, such as Smart Meters, thanks to which users become more aware of their consumption, using energy more efficiently, bringing improvements to the management of the entire grid. Italy was one of the first countries to introduce Smart Meters, holding to date, the record for the number of devices installed. Thanks to digitalization and the continuous evolution of technology, the opportunities and innovative solutions for products and services of companies are increasing.
IOT – Internet of Things – is particularly beneficial in the energy sector, especially for energy efficiency.
Why is IOT important?
Places and objects – smart objects – gain intelligence and an active role by connecting with the network and accumulating information in a smart way. Identification, connection, localization, ability to process data and interact with the external environment: just think of RFID technology and QR codes, capable of networked communication with cell phones or other devices.
Smart objects enable energy savings both on a personal level-through home automation and smart home-and on a broader level, thus smart grid and smart city.
Innovation to business: growing investments
The most widely adopted energy efficiency solutions in the industrial sector were efficient combustion systems and cogeneration.
Despite high investments in 2018 – 459 and 443 million euros, respectively – there was still a decrease compared to 2017.
This was due to the Energivore Decree of January 1, 2018, which allows for energy efficiency relief through a reduction in system charges regarding renewable sources and, indeed, cogeneration.
Major investments were made in the Home & Building sector; followed by the industrial sector and Public Administration.
Organizational resilience in the digital age
Resilience, in the digital age, is defined as an organization’s ability to absorb shocks and adapt to a changing environment while continuing to pursue its goals. ISO 22316 – Security and resilience – Organizational resilience – Principles and attributes – provides a framework that can help organizations secure the future of their business by preparing them for future challenges.
The International Energy Agency’s Digitalization & Energy Report-IEA-identified 10 actions to pursue to make sure that we really understand what digitization means for energy and how to best integrate it into production processes:
- Build new digital skills and train staff;
- Ensure adequate easy access to data so as to produce distributed energy statistics on the infrastructure;
- Introduce flexibility in policy and regulatory actions to adapt to new technologies and developments;
- Experiment with pilot projects;
- Actively participate in discussions about digitization;
- focus on issues such as safety, sustainability and convenience;
- Monitor the energy impacts of digitization on energy demand;
- Integrate digital resilience into research, development and production;
- Create a more level playing field to ensure better services;
- study best practices in each country to understand the impact of digitization on energy systems, in each of them.
Make your business competitive with energy diagnosis
Using new technologies with awareness, integrating digital processes, optimizing means and resources: seize the opportunities to make your company’s core business highly competitive. Legislative Decree 102/14 establishes the obligation of energy diagnosis every 5 years for Large Enterprises and energy-intensive businesses. Here, then, is another opportunity for your business with a view to energy efficiency: the evaluation of consumption in order to find solutions to optimize resources and energy savings, cutting down waste.
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