The Large Industry Energy Network (LIEN) is operated by Sustainable Energy Ireland for the largest industrial energy consumers in Ireland, i.e. those with an annual energy spend of over €1 million.
The Network is developing a set of role-model companies who recognise the benefits of better energy management for their own competitiveness, for Ireland’s economy and for the environment.
This voluntary approach has been effective in removing barriers through its extensive informational and networking activities. In particular, the key technological and commercial barriers to energy efficiency in large industry have been explored extensively to enable members to choose profitable energy saving projects and actions.
Membership involves a readiness to engage in a high level of networking between the members, with a view to sharing information and experiences in the area of energy management. In order to achieve significant energy savings, members of the Network employ a wide variety of technologies and management approaches. These include investments in technologies such as compressed air, refrigeration, energy efficient lighting, motive power, building management systems and combined heat & power (CHP). Other approaches include Monitoring & Targeting (M&T), staff awareness campaigns and energy management teams.
The Network has grown from a pilot project in 1993–1994, involving ten major companies from varying sectors, to the current situation where 80 of Ireland’s largest industrial companies are members. As of 2001, the combined energy expenditure of the programme was €311 million per annum. This accounts for nearly 40% of the total annual industry energy expenditure in Ireland.
Sustainable Energy Ireland publishes an annual report, which shows the performance of every company over recent years and at the same time highlights achievements, case studies and trends.