Connecting the dots between automation technology and sustainability

Rockwell Automation has published a report – Five Key Operational Pathways to Accelerate Industrial Decarbonisation – that looks at how the industrial sector can leverage data-driven technologies and insights to help accelerate the energy transition.

Business leaders face a major challenge in conceptualising and delivering decarbonised processes in a way that balances profitability with future purpose, without adversely affecting the bottom line. This means that increasing energy efficiency, thoughtful use of critical resources, and innovative product and process redesign is no longer optional, but mission critical to ESG compliance and ensuring that emerging business models are equitably designed.

“Decarbonisation will be a story of innovation and optimisation,” said Steffen Zendler, process industry strategy and marketing manager at Rockwell Automation. “Our customers have an install base from which they need to earn profits today to invest in the energy transition tomorrow. Process efficiency is key to balance these competing ambitions.”

The report highlights five pathways that combine the urgent need to reduce the ecological impact of business operations, increasing production to meet growing demand, while maintaining profit margins to remain competitive. This zone of convergence is where operational efficiencies and improved profitability intersect with sustainability metrics, providing an effective strategy for decarbonisation. The five pathways that fall within this zone are energy efficiency, extending asset lifespan, optimisation of resources, faster response time to critical incidents and reducing personnel in remote or sensitive locations.

“You need to balance several factors to reduce your carbon emissions, but you also need to run a business. You need to know your costs, and drive efficiency and productivity,” said Emmanuel Guilhamon, EMEA process industries manager for strategic accounts at Rockwell Automation. “Getting the right information will allow you to take the right decisions in order to drive sustainable outcomes.”

The report covers topics including energy efficiency; asset electrification; low-carbon fuel, feedstock, and energy sources (LCFFES); and carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS).