Energy Management Information Systems: An industrial dynamics-based analysis : Energy transition through innovation and digitalization for the Industry 4.0

Abstract: Decarbonizing the energy consumptions related to the industrial sector is extremely difficult with todays’ technologies. That is why, in industry, the priority focus is for now put on improving the energy efficiency, or the quantity of energy needed to develop a defined amount of product. Among the various tools that can improve the energy efficiency of an industrial site, a valid option is represented by software-based controlling system that manages the consumption of an industrial plant through sensors that track key performance indicators, optimize the processes from an energy standpoint and continuously follow any energy-related data, completely digitalizing the whole factory. The scope of this thesis consists in analysing this digital tool – known as Energy Management Information System (EMIS) – in the totality of the aspects that determine its value. This is why, three angles – technical, economic and operational – are being considered in this analysis. Given the recent maturity of EMIS solutions, this new technology still represents an – albeit quite mature – innovation in the field of energy efficiency in industry. Thus, industrial dynamics concepts are also applied to the investigation, since they represent a systematic methodology to assess the impact and diffusion of innovations, as well as their margin for development. The thesis could identify the main parameters that enable the success of EMIS as a valid solution to reduce energy consumption in the industrial segment, on top of proposing axes for future improvement.