The AENEAM project aims to accelerate the transition of the European agri-food industry towards a sustainable growth model. This objective is pursued by increasing the adoption of measures recommended by energy audits, encouraging companies (particularly NACE C10 -Food industries and C11 – Beverage industry) to undergo energy audits and implement their results, while also promoting digital solutions.
The food industry faces growing pressure to minimize its environmental impact, driven by climate change and resource scarcity. As one of the most energy-intensive sectors, representing approximately 37% of global industrial energy consumption (IEA data reference), it is imperative for the industry to adopt innovative solutions to enhance energy efficiency throughout the production process. Boosting energy efficiency is not just a response to global environmental challenges but also a strategic necessity for maintaining competitiveness. Food companies must sustainably meet the rising global demand for food while addressing these critical issues. Achieving energy efficiency goals often involves a virtuous cycle strongly linked with Digitalization.
The aim of this document is to facilitate the understanding and selection of various digital technologies that promote energy efficiency. It explores the range of available monitoring and control solutions (like smart meters and real-time data analysis) used to identify inefficiencies and optimize operations, illustrated through practical examples. Complementing this report, an Excel database catalogues specific digital technologies identified during our survey activities.