Industrial energy management: evaluation of decision-making system

The increased concern about the environment and, consequently, energy problems in the 1970s and 1980s has significantly influenced the development of new policies and strategic solutions for the reduction of energy losses and its rational and efficient use. The reduction of energy consumption through annual reductions in energy intensity is an indicator of the implementation of energy efficiency policies. The industrial sector, which is one of the main energy consumers, has a strong focus on improving its energy performance. Therefore, there is an increasing focus on understanding the energy status and the barriers and potential opportunities for energy efficiencyand energy conservation programmes in the enterprise. One of the main roles in energy efficiency improvement and energy conservation in industrial enterprises is played bythe energy management system, which implements appropriate programmes and practices. However, due to the lack of information or knowledge, as well as a high degree of uncertainty and risk in the energy markets, the problem of decision-making is still relevant at the very first stage of the implementation of the energy management programme at an enterprise. Therefore, the importance of defining the parameters to be included in the decision-making process and developing an energy management strategy according to the complexity and peculiarities of each company increases. The achievement of the energy transition will depend not only on the introduction of new and innovative energy-related technologies but also on significant and, in some cases, radical changes in the decisions and behaviour of decision-makers. Given that budget allocation for any investment should have not only financial but also strategic value for the company, the article seeks to identify the parameters that influence decision-making by energy decision-makers in industry, taking into account the critical role of energy management, energy efficiency and energy conservation systems.