Celebrated on February 14th, International Energy Day is an initiative that promotes awareness of the importance of Energy in human life and aims to reinforce the importance of conscious and responsible production, and the adoption of sustainable energy practices. Celebrated around the world, this day is a reflection on our energy consumption and ways to make it more efficient and environmentally conscious.
Aligned with World Energy Day and its commitment to Environmental Sustainability, Extrusal has defined over the years goals and objectives for rationalized energy consumption throughout its production process, as well as offering solutions that are increasingly energy efficient. Extrusal works daily to achieve a sustainable future for everyone.
THE IMPORTANTE OF ENERGY
Energy plays a fundamental role in the daily lives of modern society. From street lighting to home air conditioning, to transporting people/goods to supplying companies' industrial activities, it is difficult to imagine a life without energy. For example, it’s enough just to think of small and unexpected power outages when there is a breakdown in the power supply. These short intervals are enough for us to consider how dependent we are on energy.
However, the increase in energy consumption and the unsustainable exploitation of energy resources have raised significant concerns about energy security and environmental impacts.
GLOBAL CHALLENGES
The challenges in the energy sphere are diverse and complex. Continued dependence on fossil fuels has led to increasing greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change and its devastating effects. Furthermore, growing energy demand puts finite natural resources such as oil, gas, and coal at risk, raising concerns about long-term sustainability.
According to the scientific community, emissions need to be reduced by around 50% by 2030 and reach net zero emissions by 2050 to avoid the most negative impacts of climate change. According to the United Nations (UN), fossil fuels (such as coal, oil, and gas) are the main drivers for this climate change, being responsible for more than 75% of total global greenhouse gas emissions and about 90% of all carbon dioxide emissions.
Fossil fuels still account for over 70% of global supply (compared to 82% in 2022), according to the latest report from the International Energy Agency (World Energy Outlook 2023).
Renewable energies, mainly solar and wind, continue to grow and are expected to become the main source of electricity generation by 2025. However, there is still a lot of work ahead. The Electricity Maps map shows how electricity is distributed and generated in much of the world.
THE ROLE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY
To address these challenges, it is imperative to transition to cleaner, renewable energy sources.
Renewable energies such as solar, wind, hydropower, biomass, and geothermal offer promising solutions to reduce carbon emissions and ensure a sustainable energy supply for future generations. Investments in research and development, favourable policies and financial incentives are essential to accelerate this transition.
Extrusal's role in the sector of renewable energy is based in offering aluminium structural systems for the solar industry.
Photography: Extrusal, S.A.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
In addition to adopting cleaner energy sources, improving energy efficiency is essential to reduce total energy consumption and minimize waste.
Innovative technologies, efficient public transport and public awareness are just some of the measures that can be implemented to promote the smart use of energy.
In the sector of architecture, it is imperative to implement practices for sustainable construction. In this sense, Extrusal has invested in:
COLLECTIVE RESPONSABILITY
International Energy Day is a reminder that we all have a role to play in a more sustainable energy future.
Governments, institutions, the community and all of us must collaborate to promote energy-responsible practices, invest in clean energy solutions and work together to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
As we celebrate International Energy Day, we should take the opportunity to reflect on our own energy consumption and explore options for more conscious and sustainable choices. Only through a global commitment to innovation, efficiency and environmental responsibility can we guarantee a safe and sustainable energy future for generations to come.