In 1987, the Brundtland Commission of the United Nations defined sustainable development as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” This definition remains the very essence of the debate surrounding sustainable development, global warming and energy security in China and the rest of the world.

Specifically, the question for China is, how do we continue to increase incomes and reduce poverty levels without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same? In answering this question, I would like to share my insights into the pivotal role automation solutions can play in increasing energy efficiency in industrial settings and contributing thereby to sustainable growth.

The Chinese government, aware of the side-effects associated with its own rapid growth, is implementing a plan for more sustainable development, and energy efficiency is at the core of this plan. The focus of the government’s plan is on several areas such as encouraging energy saving, performing energy audits on energy intensive industries and instituting a compulsory phase-out of aging and inefficient technology.

I personally would like to focus on the specific role technological solutions available in China today can contribute to greater energy efficiency. In China, improving industrial energy consumption is essential to any energy efficiency solution. Industry consumes about 60 percent of energy in China and motors account for 65 – 70 percent of the electrical energy consumed in China’s industrial facilities. Measures to remedy this industrial inefficiency include more efficient motor systems, Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and improved process control. Specifically, advanced industrial automation technology when used along with other energy efficient products and systems can help industry reduce energy consumption by 40 percent.

Solving industrial inefficiency here requires understanding that the biggest problems in China lie with the thousands of existing manufacturing facilities spread throughout the nation. China, however, remains a price sensitive market and capital investments that are not perceived as delivering immediate returns are often dismissed by the owners and operators of small- to medium-sized factories. Getting to the decision makers of these faculties and educating them on the benefits of embracing these technologies while keeping production high, will take close cooperation between the government and technology providers.

Likewise, governments, industry and financial institutions need to work together to develop better methods of financing energy efficient projects where needed and to provide incentives to factory owners that invest in energy efficient technology. Done correctly, energy efficient equipment and systems pay back the investor through energy savings very rapidly—in some cases as early as one or two years.

Aggressive government targets and regulations alone will not be successful. It comes down to thousands of individual business decisions based on the understanding of the value offered by automation. With comprehensive solutions already available, industry leaders play a major role in educating the market about energy efficiency’s role in cutting costs and in sustainable development.

By Bruce M. Quinn
(Vice President and Chief Representative China, Rockwell Automation)