State petroleum giant Saudi Aramco sees itself as a pace-setter in energy efficiency, saying it has reduced energy intensity in its plants by an average of 2% a year since 2000. “Initiatives such as cogeneration, retrofitting industrial equipment and process enhancements” have saved around 150,000 b/d of oil equivalent (boe/d), Aramco says in its 2013 Annual Review.

Last year’s energy savings increment of 17,850 boe/d alone would be enough fuel almost 500MW of conventional generating capacity, according to MEES calculations. “National demand for electricity has increased by about 7-8% annually for the past five years,” says Aramco. “Therefore, improved energy efficiency is a national goal and concern.” (CONTINUED - 565 WORDS)