Security of supply: why industrial operations have to act strategically now

The new reality of energy supply

The era of cheap and unlimited energy is over. Industrial companies in Germany are confronted with a situation that seemed unthinkable only a few years ago: volatile energy prices that can render any calculation worthless, supply bottlenecks for critical raw materials and a density of regulation that ties up considerable management capacity. These developments are not temporary disruptions but structural changes that call for a strategic rethink.

Energy efficiency as the first line of defence

The most effective measure against rising energy prices is to reduce energy consumption. In high-temperature industry there is enormous potential here that many plants have yet to exploit. Outdated furnace linings, suboptimal thermal insulation, uncontrolled radiation losses and inefficient process management add up to energy losses that can amount to 20 to 30 per cent of total consumption. At today's energy prices, investment in energy-efficient plant technology, optimised refractory systems and professional maintenance pays off faster than ever before.

Diversification and flexibility

• Fuel flexibility: furnaces and combustion chambers that can handle different energy sources reduce dependence on individual suppliers and markets
• Material strategy: long-term framework agreements and a diversified supplier portfolio for refractory materials secure availability in tight markets
• Maintenance strategy: predictive maintenance with planned shutdowns avoids costly dependence on the short-term availability of material and installation personnel
• Knowledge management: systematic documentation of operating experience and material comparisons creates an internal knowledge base that makes the operation independent of individual suppliers or consultants

Strategic partnerships as a stabilising factor

In a volatile environment, long-term partnerships gain in importance. A reliable refractory contractor who knows the plant, has documented its operating history and can respond at short notice is a genuine competitive advantage. In contrast to a pure supplier-customer relationship geared to individual orders, a strategic partnership makes it possible to plan maintenance cycles jointly, to optimise material selection across several campaigns and to identify risks at an early stage.

SBS Refractory Service sees itself as just such a strategic partner. Our customers benefit from an end-to-end range of services extending from damage analysis through materials advice to the execution of all refractory work. Years of cooperation with our customers allow us to know their plants and operating conditions in detail and to act proactively instead of merely reacting to damage.

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