Objectives
The ASG Biochem Private Limited (ASG Biochem) is engaged in the business of producing steroidal bulk drugs and intermediate. The plant is located at Ganga Nagar, West Bengal. The plant also has a captive generation unit of 750 kVA to meet all its power demand.

The objective of the study at ASG Biochem was to identify, prioritize, and recommend a set of cost-effective energy conservation schemes, which reduces the overall consumption of electricity and fuels in the plant without effecting the production or quality of products. Implementation of the above suggested measures was expected to lead to reduction in the overall energy bill, thus reducing the cost of production and achieving a net increase in profitability.

The following equipment/systems had been identified for a detailed study in the energy audit:

• Boilers, compressed air system, cooling towers, refrigeration/air-conditioning, transformers, power factor and demand management, electric motors, pumps and fans, lighting, DG sets

WII undertook field-visits to ASG Biochem in February 2006, to collect the design and operating data and on-field measurement of energy-related parameters. The energy audit report was prepared and submitted to ASG Biochem. Following are the issues which were covered in the report:

• A detailed analysis of the present consumption and past trends in fuel and electricity, preparation of the energy balance, estimation of heat/energy losses and operating efficiency of energy consuming equipment/areas, identification of a set of appropriate energy conservation schemes, a techno-economic analysis of identified measures and prioritization of schemes for implementation. The economic analysis included cost of each intervention, achievable savings, and payback period. Based on the payback period, the schemes was categorized and prioritized under short-term, medium-term and long-term, implementation strategy for the above scheme, a list with suggestion for equipment suppliers/manufacturers of energy saving equipment.