CompAir Energy Check: Turning compressed air into a strategic energy advantage

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Rising energy costs and increasing sustainability targets are forcing manufacturers to rethink their energy strategies. Yet compressed air, one of the largest energy consumers in industrial production, often remains overlooked.

With energy accounting for up to 80 per cent of a compressed air system’s lifecycle costs, operators are recognising that efficiency is no longer just about the compressor itself, but about the performance of the entire system.

To help companies identify opportunities for energy savings, compressor manufacturer, CompAir, part of Ingersoll Rand has launched its https://www.compair.com/en/compressor-service/air-audits/">Energy Check.

Designed for all compressor technologies and brands, the Energy Check provides a data-driven analysis of the complete compressed air network, from generation and air treatment to distribution and consumption.

The goal is simple. To deliver more compressed air with less energy.

Typical Energy Checks can highlight energy savings potential of 20 to 30 per cent or higher, by identifying issues such as:

• Excess pressure
• Air leaks
• Pressure drops
• Inefficient controls
• Oversized air treatment
• Poor maintenance strategies

Even small optimisation measures can generate significant results. For example, reducing system pressure by just 1 bar can lower energy consumption by more than 10 per cent. Likewise, recovering waste heat from compressor systems can reduce heating costs and CO₂ emissions significantly.

Beyond identifying inefficiencies, the CompAir Energy Check delivers a clear action plan with practical recommendations to improve reliability, lower operational costs, and support sustainability goals.

“Compressed air should no longer be viewed as just a utility,” explains CompAir. “It is a strategic energy system that can be measured, optimised, and actively managed.”

As manufacturers continue to focus on competitiveness, resilience, and decarbonisation, compressed air optimisation is becoming an increasingly important lever for long-term industrial performance.

Learn more about CompAir Energy Checks and compressed air optimisation solutions at

https://www.compair.com/en/compressor-service/air-audits/">https://www.compair.com/en/compressor-service/air-audits/

Topsoe secures DKK 25 million to simplify grid access for Power-to-X projects

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• Topsoe will partner with Aarhus University and PlanEnergi to address an important scale-up bottleneck for Power-to-X projects: Replacing the need for case-by-case evaluation of power grid integration with a standardized procedure.
• The project, PowerFactor, will focus on developing a more standardized approach to grid integration for large-scale Power-to-X plants. 
• The project has received DKK 25 million in funding from MissionGreenFuels through Innovation Fund Denmark.

Topsoe, a leading global provider of advanced technology and solutions for the energy transition, has been awarded a DKK 25 million grant for PowerFactor together with Aarhus University and PlanEnergi. The project focuses on ensuring Power-to-X plants connect safely and reliably to the power grid. 

Today, grid integration for Power-to-X plants often requires project-specific studies and documentation. This case-by-case approach creates uncertainty, long approval processes and risks that new plants interfere with the stability of the power grid. The PowerFactor project focuses on making this process more consistent and predictable by developing standardized methods and best practices on how Power-to-X plants connect to and operate with the grid. 

Kim Grøn Knudsen, CIO at Topsoe, said:
“The PowerFactor project is focused on removing one of the key challenges for successful large-scale deployment of Power-to-X plants and scaling of green fuels. Today, grid access and compliance are among the biggest obstacles for new plants, and we believe we can demonstrate a standardized, reliable approach that works for both developers and grid operators.”

The project will include Topsoe hydrogen technologies, such as eREACT™ and Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cell (SOEC). PlanEnergi will support the project with their knowledge of resource saving systems, and Aarhus University with academic research through their Biological & Chemical Engineering and Electrical & Computer Engineering departments. In the project, the partners will combine electrolysis, electrified reforming and methanol production technologies with advanced grid emulation tools. This will help the partners identify and reduce grid‑related disturbances and define best practices for reliable operation – while supporting a stable power system. 

About the PowerFactor project
The PowerFactor project will test how Power-to-X plants interact with the electricity grid under realistic operating conditions. Using pilot units and grid emulation, the project will identify and mitigate power quality challenges (such as harmonics and disturbances that can spread between plant and grid) and translate the findings into practical guidance for future projects. 

The project will also validate the integration of Topsoe technologies, such as the electrified reactor technology eREACT, SOEC electrolysis and methanol synthesis technology including improved steam integration to identify optimal power-utilization strategies.

Collectively, the project will deliver validated models and best-practice, grid-compliant and efficient operational guidance to de-risk early commercial Power-to-X projects.

About Innovation Fund Denmark and MissionGreenFuels
Innovation Fund Denmark aims to provide grants for research, knowledge-based innovation and entrepreneurship that lead to the strengthening of research areas and the development of technology and innovative solutions.

As part of Innovation Fund Denmark, the research and innovation partnership MissionGreenFuels is dedicated to support Danish research, innovation, growth, jobs and export potential within green fuels.

www.topsoe.com

Enno Scharphuis New Head of EMEA for Dematic

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Dematic, a global leader in supply chain automation, has recently named Enno Scharphuis to the role of managing director for EMEA, effective since April 2026.

“Enno has demonstrated a clear commitment to our customers, employees and strategic direction, and I am confident he will lead the EMEA organisation with focus, accountability and ambition,” says Mike Larsson, president at Dematic and KION Executive Board member.

Scharphuis brings extensive international leadership experience and a strong track record of driving business performance, operational execution and organisational development.

Prior to joining Dematic in September 2025, Scharphuis had a long career at global technology and service supplier Bosch and his most recent roles included CEO and general manager at Robert Bosch Manufacturing Solutions GmbH and president of the Assembly Technology business unit at Bosch Rexroth AG, a provider of industrial solutions.

He holds a degree in mechanical engineering from Germany’s RWTH Aachen University.

Scharphuis is based at the German head office for Dematic in Heusenstamm, outside Frankfurt am Main.

“I am looking forward to supporting our customers in creating efficient and productive supply chain solutions together with a strong Dematic and KION team. Intelligent solutions and warehouse automation play a key role in making European operations more competitive and resilient,” says Scharphuis.”

For more information on Dematic, visit dematic.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

Identify parts with unique GS1 codes

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The classic, linear 1D barcode is about to retire. 2D barcodes, like DataMatrix and QR, are becoming the new standard. These next generation codes have the capacity to provide globally unique identification for any part and can optimally support digital twins and Internet of Things applications.

But how to make sure your part, product, parcel or location code is unique and easy to share? Enter the GS1 standard.

Physical to digital

GS1 identification keys enable the creation of globally unique identifiers, governed by strict management rules, to avoid that two physical entities would share the same digital identity.

A complete GS1 code will include a company prefix, an item or reference number and a mathematically derived digit that validates the code’s integrity. These can be joined by application identifiers, batch numbers, location references and an indicator or extension indicator, depending on the type of code.

Printing GS1 codes

GS1 codes can be serialised and printed as 2D datamatrix codes, QR-codes and others that can hold vastly more data than the traditional 1D barcode. To reliably print these codes in an easy-to-scan resolution, professional label printers from Brady are a great solution.

300 dpi printers can already print 2D codes, 600 dpi printers can print them reliably in smaller sizes, important when item surface and packaging area come at a premium.

DPP compliance

Looking to comply with the European Union’s Digital Product Passport regulations? Get expert information on identification solutions that enable compliance - without slowing down production.

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BRADY Corporation

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