Specific Electrical Energy Consumption and CO2 Emissions Assessment of Agrifood Industries in the Central Region of Portugal

Abstract

This paper provides a characterization of the electrical energy consumption of agrifood industries located in the central region of Portugal that use refrigeration systems to ensure the food safety. The study is based on the result analysis of survey data and energy characteristics of the participating companies belonging to the following agrifood sectors: meat, dairy, horticultural, distribution and wine. Through the quantification of energy consumption of companies is possible to determine the amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions indexed to its manufacturing process. Comparing the energy and GHGs emissions indexes of companies of a sector and between sectors is possible to create reference levels. With the results of this work is possible to rating the companies in relation to reference levels of energy and GHGs emissions and thus promote the rational use of energy by the application of practice measures for the improvement of the energy efficiency and the reduction of GHGs emissions.