GALNIK
Pilot Project
"Introduction to Energy Efficiency and Energy Management Systems in SMEs in Mexico"
Example of energy efficiency improvement Galnik S.A. de C.V.: Identification and implementation of energy indicators
Background information
The implementation of the pilot project began with the introductory workshop to ISO 50001:2011 in October 2015. The companies then conducted energy audits to identify and prioritize various opportunities for improvement, under the guidance of Mexican consultants with expertise in energy efficiency.
The company Galnik S.A. de C.V. is dedicated to providing electrolytic coatings of zinc, nickel, tin and zinc alloys, as well as washing and degreasing services. Since 1988 it has been the leading firm in metallic coatings in the Bajío region of Mexico.
Description of the improvement
Participation in the pilot project has enabled Galnik to identify opportunities for improvement and lowcost energy savings through improvements in its daily cleaning practices and day-to-day operation. Achieving, demonstrating and quantifying the energy savings will enable them to gradually make available economic resources to ensure they can subsequently implement improvement opportunities that require greater investment.
Galnik identified and implemented two energy efficiency indicators (EEI), which have been used to develop the corresponding baselines.
As a result of the project, they have become more aware of several factors that have a direct impact on their electroplating lines (which are their significant energy uses):
• Quality of the solutions used in the electroplating process.
• Optimization of the process by changing racks and improving their maintenance.
• Greater control over the washing of baths.
Following the implementation of strict controls over the above processes in January 2017, a 12% saving in electricity consumption was observed.
Savings expected, results and additional benefits
The search for energy savings has led the organization to reap additional benefits as a result of carrying out improvements in operating practices:
• Improvement in the electroplating finish of the final product
• Reduction in material sent for reprocessing
• Increase in labour productivity
• Improved financial performance of the process due to energy savings, as well as lower production costs and reduced labour requirements.
The operational control resulting from the systematic analysis made it possible to reduce the consumption of energy and resources. In addition, a foundation has been laid for a detailed understanding of energy use, which will facilitate future decision making when calculating potential savings with improvement opportunities.
The Mexican National Commission for the Efficient Use of Energy (CONUEE) and the German Metrology Institute (PTB) make the aforementioned project available to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in order for them to implement an energy management system (EnMS) according to ISO 50001, by strengthening the skills of technical staff within each company. For more information on the pilot project, contact Lissette Mendoza Barrón, Tel. 3000 1000 ext. 1318, lissette.mendoza@conuee.gob.mx or Susanne Wendt, susanne.wendt@ptb.de
