The potential for energy conservation in U.K. industry

The potential for energy conservation via the implementation of proven technology within United Kingdom industry is examined using a disaggregated model of individual industrial sectors, fuels supplied, and end-use energy purposes. Energy savings are quantified following the application of general and process-specific conservation measures. Overall, a 30% reduction in energy supply may be achieved at present output levels, varying from 22% in the Paper, Printing, and Stationery sector to 35% in the Food, Drink, and Tobacco inductries. Additionally, a pricing regime in favour of solid fuels is expected to effect a shift away from oil- and natural-gas consumption towards coal. With the advent of low-energy-intensive industries increasingly replacing traditionally high-energy-consuming operations such as iron and steel making, shipbuilding, and heavy engineering, there appears to be no reason for supposing that the continuing overall decline in the energy intensity of British industry will come to a halt. Industrial growth does not require profligate energy consumption.