Demystifying electrification

Get to grips with how electrification, and the skills related to it, create opportunities to help businesses improve efficiency, reduce costs and meet growing market demand in engineering and manufacturing.

Electric car charger

Benefits of electrification

Electrification is going to be key for businesses looking to stay competitive in the engineering and manufacturing sector, as we decarbonise to help meet the UK Government’s legally binding net-zero target. By adopting electric systems and processes, along with zero-carbon generation of electricity, your business can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and meet growing market demands for sustainable and eco-friendly products.

Electric vehicle charging station

Importance of electrification

The electrification of the UK's engineering and manufacturing sector is essential to reaching the UK’s net-zero target.

For businesses, electrification has two key parts. First, electrify your value chain by converting processes, tools, transportation, and heating/cooling systems to electric alternatives.

Second, ensure that this new electricity is zero-carbon by integrating renewable sources like solar or wind and adopting energy efficiency measures to meet future energy demands.

Wind power being generated during sunset

Opportunities for electrification in engineering and manufacturing

Electrified equipment and machinery

Electrified equipment and machinery like conveyors, robotic arms, and battery-powered tools and equipment.

  • Electric Motors: Traditional combustion engines and hydraulic systems are being replaced with electric motors in various machinery, such as forklifts, conveyors, and robotic arms. Electric motors are more energy-efficient and require less maintenance.
  • Battery-Powered Tools: The shift to battery-powered tools and equipment reduces the reliance on fossil fuels. Advances in battery technology, such as lithium-ion batteries, have increased the efficiency and longevity of these tools.

Electric vehicles (EVs)

EVs for both in-plant and in-factory use (e.g. forklifts) and logistics and delivery (e.g. short-haul or ‘last-mile’ vans and other cargo vehicles like e-cargo bikes).

  • Industrial Vehicles: The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) for transportation within manufacturing plants, including electric forklifts and automated guided vehicles (AGVs), is increasing. This reduces emissions and operating costs.
  • Logistics and Delivery: Electrification of delivery trucks and other logistics vehicles helps in reducing the carbon footprint and operational costs for manufacturing firms.


Advanced manufacturing technologies

Advanced manufacturing technologies including electrically powered Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing), which enables the production of complex parts with less waste and reduced energy consumption.

  • Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing): Electric-powered 3D printers are revolutionising the manufacturing process by enabling the production of complex parts with less waste and reduced energy consumption.
  • Automation and Robotics: Electrically powered automation and robotic systems are enhancing production efficiency and precision in manufacturing processes.

Electrification of heating processes

Electrification of heating processes including induction heating for metal forging and welding, and a shift from traditional gas-powered furnaces to electric furnaces in industries such as steel and glass manufacturing.

  • Induction Heating: Induction heating is being used for various industrial processes, such as metal forging and welding, as it is more energy-efficient and provides precise temperature control.
  • Electric Furnaces: The shift from traditional gas-powered furnaces to electric furnaces in industries such as steel and glass manufacturing helps in reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency.


Renewable energy sources and advanced battery storage systems

Renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines integrated into your operations to power all your new electric devices.

  • Solar and Wind Power: Manufacturing facilities are increasingly integrating renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines to power their operations. This reduces dependency on non-renewable energy sources and lowers overall energy costs.
  • Energy Storage Systems: store excess energy generated from renewable sources, ensuring a steady and reliable power supply.


Energy efficiency improvements

Ranging from easy steps like changing to LED lighting in manufacturing facilities and to more complex investments like installing Energy Management Systems to monitor and control energy usage across manufacturing operations. 

  • Lighting Systems: The adoption of energy-efficient LED lighting in manufacturing facilities reduces electricity consumption and lowers operational costs.
  • Energy Management Systems: Advanced energy management systems (EMS) are being implemented to monitor and control energy usage across manufacturing operations, identifying areas for improvement and optimizing overall energy consumption.


Benefits of electrification in engineering and manufacturing

More energy-efficient

Electric motors and systems are generally more energy-efficient than their fossil fuel counterparts, leading to reduced energy consumption and lower operating costs.

Better control and precision

Electric systems offer better control and precision, improving the quality and consistency of manufactured products.

More efficient manufacturing processes

Electrified automation and robotic systems increase production speed, accuracy, and flexibility, enabling more efficient manufacturing processes.

Less maintenance

Electric systems and transport typically have fewer moving parts and require less maintenance compared to fossil-fuel alternatives.

Safety and comfort

Electric machinery can contribute to enhanced workplace safety and comfort, tending to operate more quietly and with reduced emissions over fossil-fuelled alternatives.

Compliance

Electrification helps companies comply with increasingly stringent environmental regulations and standards, and may enable companies to qualify for financial incentives, grants, and subsidies.

Innovation

The shift towards electrification drives innovation, with advancements in battery technology, electric motors, and energy storage systems leading to new capabilities and applications, and integration with Internet of Things and AI enabling smart manufacturing practices like predictive maintenance, real-time monitoring, and data-driven decision-making.

Electrification and Industry 4.0

Electrification enhances the core principles of Industry 4.0 – interconnectivity, data-driven decision-making, automation, and sustainability – by providing more efficient, precise, and flexible manufacturing capabilities.

Industry 4.0 on a digital interface.

Electrification and sustainability

Electrification in engineering and manufacturing supports sustainability by reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, minimising waste, enabling the use of renewable energy, and promoting cleaner production processes.

Aerial view of large solar panel plant.

What skills might you need?

As a small or medium-sized engineering or manufacturing enterprise, the electrification of industry may provide opportunities for your business across a range of areas, including electrical contracting, e-mobility, electrical grid expansion, heat pumps, solar, wind, and digitisation.

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Electrification resources

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Electrifying Europe: How electrification is switching on jobs and skills

This guide emphasises the crucial role of electrification in Europe's transition to a net-zero economy.

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Electric car is charged from a charging station.

Siemens: Accelerating the Electrification of Everything

This guide explores the challenges, opportunities, and strategic considerations involved in transitioning to electrified systems in various sectors.

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The Opportunity for a National Electrification Skills Framework and Forum

This eBook focuses on the creation and implementation of a National Electrification Skills Framework and Forum to prepare the UK workforce for the transition to a green industrial revolution.

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Engineer looking at a computer.

Electrification Skills Network

The Electrification Skills Network seeks to enable the understanding of electrification skills aligned with industry needs, while offering valuable insights.

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Engineer looking at smart screen.

Regulatory Assistance Project: Moving industrial electrification from potential to practice

In this report, discover the potential of industrial electrification and how it is putting the industry on the pathway to net-zero.

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Shape the Future Skills Hub with us

Your expertise and insights are invaluable. If you have content, resources, or feedback to enhance the Future Skills Hub, we want to hear from you! Let’s collaborate and shape the future of engineering and manufacturing.

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