ARPEL and the consulting firm Energy Performance co-organized the second edition of the course "Energy Management and Standard 50001", which was held from September 7 to October 23.

Twenty professionals from the companies ANCAP, EP PETROECUADOR, PETROPERÚ, RAÍZEN, RECOPE, REPSOL, SONACOL, TECPETROL, TEMA, VEOLIA, VISTA OIL & GAS, from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Spain, Mexico, Peru and Uurguay participated in the training.

The instructor was Andrea Afranchi, a chemical engineer specialized in topics of Energy Efficiency, Energy Optimization of Processes & Utilities, Energy Audits and Energy Management.

The main objectives of the course are to establish guidelines for the implementation of an Energy Management System in process industries, with a focus on the oil and gas sector, introduce the ISO 50001 standard, as well as provide tools that allow managing the continuous improvement of the energy performance of the company.

The virtual training agenda included the following topics: Introduction to energy management according to ISO 50001; Management systems; The first steps; The heart of the standard; Implementation and verification of the SGE, and Reflections and Assurance of continuous improvement.

Regarding the methodology, most of the works were in groups and virtual meetings (not mandatory) were held once a week. Meanwhile, the recordings of these meetings were available for students who could not attend. Also, on the platform were all the materials, space for Forums, among other resources.

Energy consumption in a process industry can represent up to 60% of operating costs and, therefore, constitute the largest manageable cost. The benefits of implementing an Energy Management System (EnMS) are not only in energy savings, but also in increased productivity, improved product quality and reduced waste. If we focus on industries that consume fossil fuels, energy efficiency also makes a contribution to the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

For more information on courses, contact Verónica Ferreira (cursos@arpel.org.uy)