Protecting the climate means saving energy wherever possible by using less and avoiding all unnecessary waste.
The transformation of primary energy into mechanical energy and subsequently to electricity produces quantities of thermal energy, which is rarely used in the majority of today's power plants. Plants that make use both the electrical and thermal power (Combined heat and power plants CHP) can reach efficiencies of almost 90 percent, far higher than their conventional counterparts.
Once electrical energy has been generated it must be transported and distributed. These processes incur losses of 5-10 percent.
Consumption of electricity in industrial, commercial and residential applications also incurs losses. Inefficient motor systems and the sub-optimal use of motors are the main sources of losses in industry.
Energy management of buildings offers a huge potential for energy saving in the commercial and residential area.
With energy savings come economic benefits. As energy generators provide more information to their customers, better informed decisions on energy use can be made, reducing consumption, cost and carbon emissions.
The future electrical system can achieve its full potential only if the efficiency of all steps in the electrical value chain is significantly improved.