Energy Management Systems in Latin American Industry: Case Study Colombia

Abstract

The increase in energy demand, mainly due to the dependence of industry and transport on fossil fuels, has led to the extensive use of these fuels and an increase in greenhouse gas emissions, generating a severe environmental concern in all countries. Then, the need for a proportionate consumption of energy resources and the decarbonization of the economy to leverage the reduction of emissions into the atmosphere becomes evident. Therefore, implementing Energy Management Systems (EnMS) within industries makes sense, seeking to promote energy's rational and efficient use. Consequently, this paper presents a bibliographic review on the integration of EnMS in the industry, highlighting the main barriers and motivators for its implementation, emphasizing the leading role that management has within companies in converting these programs into sustainable initiatives in an extended time horizon. In addition, an analysis of the Latin American panorama is presented, especially the Colombian one, on the integration of mechanisms to improve energy efficiency in industries. One of the main conclusions evidenced was the need to increase support at the regulatory level for energy efficiency programs in the industry. Currently, greater prominence is given to renewable energy sources, which are a fundamental step for the energy transition but must be complemented with the rational and efficient use of resources. Here, the industry has an essential role in representing the segment of users that more energy traditionally consumes.