The transformation of energy supply and industry is based on the two pillars of digitalization and automation in the future. This will require not only a massive expansion of renewable energy, but also intelligent connectivity of the energy production, industry, transport and building sectors.

Such intelligent connectivity can only be achieved through the use of networked systems, digital infrastructure and automation technologies. Of course, digital infrastructure itself consumes energy, but various studies, including “The Climate Impact of digitization,” have shown that the positive impacts significantly outweigh the negative ones.

Automation improves energy efficiency

The transformation of the energy system depends on automation technology. Only by improving energy efficiency and reducing primary energy demand can we succeed in achieving a fully climate-neutral energy supply, driving future economic and productive growth. Energy efficiency gains can be achieved through intelligent control of energy flow and energy demand.

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Automation has always focused on improving energy efficiency. So far, the main aim has been to increase output and reduce production time. Improving energy efficiency is now as important as reducing negative environmental impacts. Practical examples of this development include related automation solutions that use cargo tracking and sensor data to improve planning, thereby reducing idle equipment, unnecessary lighting, building heating, or empty logistics operations.

Automation for sustainable development

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, SDG 8, clearly require this. Despite repeated references to automation’s potential to endanger jobs, a review of technological advances over the past 150 years and recent developments in many emerging countries shows that automation has actually freed people from simple manual tasks. On the other hand, jobs with higher education requirements are also being created. Automation has freed many people from dangerous, unhealthy, or monotonous tasks. As such, it is conducive to promoting quality education and enabling people to engage in fulfilling work.

As your global automation partner, Turck is also constantly advancing technological innovation to help companies achieve more flexible production and empower industrial sustainability. Machine manufacturers’ business models have been changing for some time, and will change even faster in the future. The advantage of a cloud solution, for example, is that it can be used to do all the billing work on the one hand, and on the other hand, it can be closer to the machine, for example, you can know when maintenance is needed, so as to maintain the availability of the machine. This combination will ultimately benefit customers.