Energy management in the south african sugar industry

The South African sugar industry produces sugar and electricity and raw materials for ethanol production among other by-products. The cogeneration of electricity in the sugar industry is linked to energy security and avoided greenhouse gas emissions. Electrical energy and thermal energy are the primary energy types used for sugar processing. This paper identifies energy management best practices necessary to increase the efficiency of the cogeneration processes. Adoption of energy conservation and efficiency measures is imperative for the sugar industry to generate electricity for own use and for export to the national grid. More energy efficient practices save money and reduce coal consumption. Equipment and technological improvements coupled with process design improvements necessary to improve factory energy efficiency are identified. The paper further discusses the bio-energy role and potential in the South African sugar industry with a view to inform decision making and advise government policies.