Almost no other topic has been discussed more often since last autumn: energy saving. Dutch companies in the industrial sector are investing a lot. But they also see themselves under great pressure, research shows.
The government recently decided that, from 2026, heat pumps will become the standard for heating homes, shops, schools and offices. At the same time, concerns arose when the first companies were forced to close as a result of the massive rise in energy costs. The first winter in which energy saving took centre stage is now over. Reichelt Elektronik asked 250 Dutch industrial companies about their views on energy saving, where their greatest concerns for the future lie, and how motivated they are to make further investments.
Measures
Energy saving is a topic companies are working on, the survey shows. 61 per cent of those surveyed revealed that they invested in this area last year. Another 30 per cent plan to make investments this year. Quick and less complex measures have already been taken. These include replacing conventional bulbs with LED bulbs (41 per cent). Lowering the room/office temperature (39%) is also a frequently mentioned measure. As is buying new machines or systems with lower energy consumption (37%).
New technologies
In addition, companies are particularly interested in investing in new technologies. About four-fifths (79%) have started investing or plan to invest in building a solar power system this year. About six out of 10 companies (62%) are focusing on replacing an old gas or oil heating system with an alternative heating system such as a heat pump. Or they are focusing on using smart technology or other control systems to reduce the energy consumption of machinery (62%).
Successes
Companies were already achieving tangible successes through their measures taken. Two thirds of them (66 per cent) were able to save between 11 and 60 per cent of energy last winter. Fourteen per cent even managed to save between sixty-one and one hundred per cent.
Challenges
Yet there are also drawbacks and challenges. Most companies that did not or did not plan investments want to wait until better or cheaper technology is available (53%). In addition, they often need more time to make decisions (42%). For 21%, there is a lack of understanding at management level about the importance or urgency of investments.
Price tag
However, the biggest barrier to energy saving is the price tag. A third (33%) of companies think the technology or its installation is too expensive. This is followed by complaints about uncertainty. Almost a third (31%) of companies are unsure which technology will prevail in the long run. In third place (27%) is the constantly changing regulatory environment.
Regulation around energy saving
These figures do not mean that Dutch companies consider regulations or legislative measures unnecessary or bad. 76 per cent are satisfied with both existing and approved regulations for companies on energy consumption. Moreover, they take measures not only because they are obliged to, but also out of conviction. 87 per cent consider environmental protection important for their company to contribute to society.
Frustration, energy-saving fatigue and fear
All in all, most Dutch industrial companies (79%) seem satisfied with their measures. On the other hand, there are also frustrations and fatigue. About a third (32%) are frustrated by high energy costs. A quarter (25%) feel that their company is still doing too little. For almost a quarter of companies (23%), the energy-saving measures are not producing the desired results, according to respondents.
Declining interest
Moreover, energy-saving fatigue seems to be becoming visible among industrial companies. For instance, the topic is discussed less in important meetings (35%). At other companies, employees are again more careless about energy-saving rules (31%), projects that were started are not completed (31%) or investments are reduced (26%).
Competitiveness
This frustration is mainly due to the hopeless situation many companies find themselves in as a result of high energy prices. 64 per cent say their competitiveness will be affected if energy prices remain so high. Worse, about half of companies (48%) will no longer be profitable if prices remain so high, according to the survey. That is why 44% of respondents want more favourable energy prices for businesses. About the same number of respondents (43%) would also welcome subsidies being easier to apply for and requiring less bureaucracy. And they would also appreciate more openness and promotion of new energy-saving solutions and technologies (43%).
Emigration
Despite all the investments to save energy, many companies have no choice but to move their operations abroad. 46 per cent of those surveyed are currently moving all or part of energy-intensive processes abroad - or have already taken this step. Another 29 per cent are planning to take this step.
Read also: Government aims to accelerate the transition to a sustainable industry
Photo: annca via Pixabay
