What's Happening?
Scottish energy technology firm IR Power, a subsidiary of MWNW Group, has launched a new solution aimed at reducing energy waste in industrial factories. This innovation targets the energy lost when large factory machines, such as automotive presses and
conveyor systems, slow down during normal operations. The system captures the energy generated during deceleration, which is typically wasted, and feeds it back into the factory's power grid for reuse. This approach is similar to regenerative braking in electric vehicles. The solution is offered through a rental model, where manufacturers pay based on the proven energy savings achieved, eliminating upfront costs. The technology is designed to be plug-and-play, requiring no modifications to existing equipment and causing no production downtime. IR Power's system is compatible with various equipment suppliers, allowing factories to optimize energy recovery across multiple machines.
Why It's Important?
This development is significant as it addresses the dual challenges of rising industrial electricity costs and the need for manufacturers to meet net-zero carbon commitments. By reducing energy waste, factories can achieve substantial cost savings and lower their carbon footprint. The rental model removes financial barriers to adoption, as it shifts the risk from the customer to IR Power, which only profits if energy savings are realized. This could lead to widespread adoption of energy recovery systems in industries such as automotive, construction materials, and food processing, where machinery frequently starts and stops. The technology's ability to integrate with existing systems without causing operational disruptions makes it an attractive option for manufacturers looking to enhance energy efficiency.
What's Next?
IR Power plans to begin commercial deployments in 2026, focusing initially on press applications in sectors like automotive and construction materials manufacturing. The company aims to demonstrate the technology's effectiveness across diverse operating conditions before expanding globally. Prospective customers can request a complimentary site assessment to evaluate the potential benefits of the system. As industrial electricity prices continue to rise, and with increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions, the demand for such energy-saving solutions is likely to grow, potentially leading to further innovations and advancements in industrial energy efficiency.
