A Survey on Drivers, Obstacles and Economic Effects of Digitalization in the Energy-Intensive Industry

Daniel Schlar, Daniel Grogger, Wolfgang Posch

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, the energy-intensive industry is at a critical point of innovation and change. Technologies like artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and advanced data analytics are transforming industrial processes and resource use. This research explores the key drivers, obstacles, and economic impacts of digitalization and energy efficiency in the energy-intensive industry. It offers a detailed understanding of its journey toward digitalization by highlighting current efforts, challenges, and future directions for improving energy efficiency and sustainable practices. Further, it aims to uncover the forces behind digital transformation in the energy-intensive industry, identifying important drivers and examining barriers to digital technology adoption. A survey of industry professionals provides insights into the current state of digitalization, its effects on energy demand, primary drivers, obstacles, and future trends. Results show a strong push towards digitalization, especially in the steel and manufacturing sectors, driven by internal strategies and external support. Key drivers include better productivity, cost reduction, and increased competitiveness. Major obstacles are high initial costs, the need for skilled workers, leadership gaps, and outdated machinery. There is a clear link between digitalization and energy efficiency, with companies reporting financial savings and expecting more improvements through innovation.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationConference Proceedings New Energy for Industry 2024
Subtitle of host publication3rd Conference of the Innovation Network
Place of PublicationVienna
PublisherNEFI New Energy For Industry
Pages64-66
Number of pages112
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 24 Oct 2024
EventNEFI-Konferenz 2024: Innovationen gemeinsam gestalten: Den Weg zur Klimaneutralität ebnen - Museumsquartier, Wien, Austria
Duration: 24 Oct 202425 Oct 2024
https://www.nefi.at/de/nefi-konferenz

Conference

ConferenceNEFI-Konferenz 2024
Country/TerritoryAustria
CityWien
Period24/10/2425/10/24
Internet address

Keywords

  • Digitalization
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Energy-Intensive Industry
  • Technological Transformation
  • Industrial Innovation

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