News

Digital energy management will fuel food production in 2026

Using AI to manage digital energy consumption in factories is the latest strategy in manufacturers’ toolbox for sustainable operations and efficient energy use.

Energy is vital to every stage of our agrifood systems, enabling producers to deliver the world’s food to our growing global population. However, the energy required to feed our communities has a considerable impact on our planet’s sustainability.

According to the United Nations’ (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), food systems account for around 30% of global energy consumption and 31% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

To meet the demands of global agrifood systems, the food and beverage production landscape needs to consume sufficient energy to enable its supply chains to function and its operations to perform.

“Energy remains the industry’s most significant cost driver,” Sandra Perletti, global head of consumer packaged goods at Siemens Smart Infrastructure, told Ingredients Network.

Measuring energy consumption across the supply chain

Digital energy management (DEM) leverages real-time data to monitor, analyse, and optimise energy consumption in production facilities. Rather than relying on manual inspections, DEM consolidates all the relevant information necessary to help manufacturers manage their energy and keeps this within a centralised digital platform.

“The result [is] lower energy costs, reduced inefficiencies, and measurable progress

toward long-term sustainability goals,” said Perletti.

Sensors and smart meters capture energy data throughout food factories. Advanced technologies such as (AI and cloud computing analyse the gathered output. By applying these technologies in food and beverage production facilities, companies can gain a transparent, comprehensive view of where and how energy is consumed. Manufacturers can then use this data to support informed decision-making and targeted optimisation measures.

DEM solutions and services enable manufacturers to reduce energy costs, minimise system downtime, and stay on track with ambitious climate targets. Adopting the advanced technologies that support DEM enables manufacturers to also integrate their renewable energy sources into existing operations.

“The impact is already tangible, and in many cases transformative,” said Perletti. For instance, Siemens shared that Coca‑Cola HBC Austria has implemented various efficiency measures at its Edelstal site to reduce its CO₂ emissions. As a result, the facility has lowered its emissions to 17.5 grams per litre of beverage produced in 2019, a 50% reduction from 2010.

Real-world repercussions for R&D

Focusing on energy efficiency by monitoring consumption habits in real time can significantly shape manufacturers’ research and development (R&D) processes. “Energy efficiency is no longer solely an operational concern, it’s increasingly influencing product development itself,” Perletti said.

Today’s R&D teams are using tools such as digital twins to create virtual models of products and production lines. Building out production capabilities without upfront investment enables manufacturers to simulate different scenarios, forecast energy consumption, and optimise designs before developing any physical prototypes.

​DEM systems enable companies to automate energy reporting and reduce unplanned downtime, freeing up staff resources for more strategic initiatives, including product development. Simultaneously, real-time insights into energy use during food manufacturing help producers develop processes and formulations that are inherently less energy intensive.

“Ultimately, this data-driven approach supports sustainability objectives while giving organisations greater flexibility to focus on new product launches, reformulations and long-term innovation,” Perletti added.