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Energy Efficiency: what it is and the benefits it offers

Benefits of energy efficiency

Energy efficiency is essential for reducing energy consumption without sacrificing performance and comfort. As a result, we can also be more sustainable as we cut down on the emissions of CO2 and the rest of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere.

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What is energy efficiency?

The concept of energy efficiency refers to the ability to get the best results in any given activity by utilizing the least amount of energy resources possible. It enables us to reduce the consumption of any type of energy including the associated environmental impacts. This is applicable from production to consumption of energy.

With energy efficiency, we try to maintain the same operating efficiency but incorporating a series of responsible habits, sustainable management models, and investments in technological innovation.

What benefits does energy efficiency have?

Investing in measures that improve energy efficiency has very positive effects in all kinds of ways. These are some of the main advantages to energy efficiency:

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Energy and cost savings

By using fewer resources to carry out an activity, we contribute to energy savings. At the same time, lower energy consumption means a reduction in energy bills.

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Improvements for the environment

Energy efficiency reduces CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions. Responsible energy use consumes fewer resources, which contributes to reducing the carbon footprint.

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Improvements in supply

Energy efficiency allows us to optimize the use of natural resources and create a local economy, thereby promoting responsible consumption.

Application fields for energy efficiency

Energy efficiency is a key concept in the pursuit of a more sustainable and economically viable future. Below, we'll explore the sectors in which energy efficiency systems are being applied to achieve a positive impact.

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Efficiency in the energy sector

The major energy companies can improve efficiency by introducing cutting-edge technologies and incorporating renewable energies into the energy mix.

Workers at a Respol facility

Energy efficiency in the industry

The so-called Industry 4.0 continues to optimize its processes and reduce its final energy consumption by implementing the best techniques available and investing in innovation.

People working in an office

Energy efficiency in business management

Companies establish energy management systems with continuous improvement cycles to optimize resources and reduce CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions.

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Energy efficiency at home

In our everyday lives, we can invest in improving our home's energy certification, while enhacing comfort and saving on our power bill.

Energy efficiency labels

What is the energy efficiency label?

In the same way the Energy Efficiency Certificate displays the energy characteristics of a building, the energy label is a tag that indicates the efficiency of any device for sale that uses energy. It is based on a rating index, classified by letters and colors, ranging from A and green, for the most efficient appliances, to D and red, for the least efficient. 

This certification is mandatory in Europe for the following types of household appliances:

  • Refrigerators and freezers
  • Washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers
  • Electric ovens and microwaves
  • Domestic light sources

Energy efficiency is measured using the following scale:

  • The most efficient: A, B, C
  • Moderate consumption: D, E
  • High consumption: F, G

Thanks to this energy efficiency label, the consumer has access to detailed information about the energy consumption of a product before purchasing it

In addition to purchasing low-consumption appliances, there are other tools for improving the energy efficiency of our homes like installing energy consumption monitoring systems or setting up home automation. These telematic energy measuring systems allow us to see our consumption in real time and improve the conditions of our energy contract. On top of that, incorporating home automation systems allows us to more efficiently manage lighting, heating and air, hot water, watering for plants, and household appliances.

Repsol and energy efficiency

Energy efficiency is one of the most promising ways to mitigate CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions. We have a decarbonization strategy that includes all available technologies, including the so-called disruptive technologies, and whose major focus areas are energy efficiency, renewable electricity generation and self-consumption, renewable hydrogen, circular economy solutions, and synthetic, or low-carbon, fuels.

Part of our ambition to reach net zero emissions by 2050 is the integration of renewable energy into our operations and the implementation of systems and tools that improve efficiency at our industrial facilities. In this way, we will be able to perform our processes more efficiently and our activity will become less carbon intensive.

 

Energy efficiency projects

These are some of the energy efficiency projects we are implementing at our facilities:

Works at a Repsol facility

repHEN (Repsol Heat Exchanger Network)

The repHEN project offers an innovative solution to the problem of heat exchanger fouling.

Interior view of a Repsol facility

Replacing compressors and other equipment

Implementing new high-tech compressors that are more efficient will allow for a greater reduction in CO2 emissions.

Exterior view of a Repsol facility

Greater efficiency in furnaces

We've installed air preheaters with state-of-the-art technology in the process furnaces at our refineries.

Operators and machinery at a Repsol facility

Optimizing oil wells

We are working to increase efficiency and develop technologies that help to that effect in each phase of the life cycle of a reservoir.

We are driving new smart systems for energy management

Recently, the Repsol Technology Lab developed an innovative energy management system capable of reducing energy consumption in climate control systems by up to 20% and up to 40% in cold chain logistics alone. An Energy Management System is a new system based on artificial intelligence algorithms and advanced optimization. It is currently being tested in real-world settings thanks to various collaboration agreements Repsol has with sector leaders such as Grupo García Carrión, Athletic Club de Bilbao, CBRE, and Grupo Nueva Pescanova.

We are also developing a device that aggregates EMS systems, so they can operate as a single unit on the electricity market. This way, the system known as Virtual Asset Management (VAM) will respond to the market by supplying energy or reducing customer demand, all while respecting each consumer's energy needs at any given time. The VAM system will balance the intermittent nature of renewable power generation, leading to greater savings on customers' energy bills. 

See press release on EMS and VAM systems >