The existence of energy managers in an industry - a need of the time in the energy starved environment

Abstract

Paper presented at the 9th International Conference on Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics, Malta, 16-18 July, 2012.

It all starts or fails with energy managers! No energy manager in a firm means no voice to invest in energy efficiency. No voice implies no annual budget for energy conservation measures. Having no annual budget means no energy efficiency measures are implemented. No implementation results in less profit and no energy cost reduction. It is expected from an energy manger to follow a sequential and iterative procedure and suggest design improvements in existing energy systems. In line with the Government‟s effort to be more energy efficient as indicated within the Strategic Plans of Saudi Arabia, the Energy Efficiency (EE) programmes would focus especially in the industrial and commercial sectors. With the proposed introduction of Efficient Management of Electrical Energy Regulation, amendments to the Uniform Building By-laws, labelling of electrical appliances and the use of high-efficient motors, the focus on energy efficiency within the commercial and industrial sector would be further enhanced. These developments coupled with the recent increase in energy cost worldwide spells a real need to develop local experts with the required knowledge and experience in energy efficiency. As energy and environmental problems intensify, there is urgent demand nationwide for energy managers who can set up and implement real practical solutions. It is not just concerned with saving energy, but also with increasing productivity, improving standards of living and saving money. This paper discusses various aspects of certification of energy managers process in terms of academic requirements for the certification as well as the accreditation requirements needed from training institutes. Various technical aspects of the process have been discussed keeping in view of labour market requirements and perspective.