– Fatih Birol emphasizes the need to double energy efficiency progress by the end of the decade
– Industry accounts for 32% of CO2 emissions globally, with energy consumption as the primary cause
– The convergence of Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) is a strategic necessity for achieving sustainability goals
The IEA Global Conference on Energy Efficiency stressed the need for doubling energy efficiency progress by the end of the decade. Industry is a significant contributor to CO2 emissions, making it crucial to find ways to reduce energy consumption through innovative technologies. The convergence of Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) is a strategic approach that can help integrate industrial control systems with computer networks to optimize operations and enable data-driven decision-making.
Traditionally, IT and OT have been separate entities, focusing on information management and automation equipment respectively. However, advancements in IoT and big data analytics are driving the convergence of these two worlds. By leveraging IoT sensors, OT systems can collect data from industrial equipment and processes, which can then be analyzed by IT systems to drive informed decision-making. This convergence strategy relies on the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) infrastructure, including edge devices for data collection and processing.
Software like Beckhoff’s TwinCAT plays a crucial role in enabling the integration of IT and OT by offering function blocks and protocols designed for edge computing. This integration allows for real-time monitoring and optimization of renewable energy sources, contributing to achieving energy efficiency goals and reducing the global environmental impact. Overall, the convergence of OT and IT is essential in meeting net zero targets and improving overall energy management.