energiesintensiv

Energiesintensiv describes processes or sectors that require large energy inputs relative to their output or service. In English, the equivalent term is energy-intensive. The concept is used to assess how much energy is needed to produce goods, provide services, or operate activities, and it is often expressed as energy use per unit of economic output, production, or value added.

Common energy-intensive sectors include heavy manufacturing such as steel, cement, and chemicals; mining and minerals processing; pulp and paper; aluminum smelting; and some transport activities like aviation and shipping. Data centers and large-scale agricultural operations can also be considered energy-intensive due to electricity needs for cooling, computing, and production processes. The degree of intensity is influenced by technology level, process design, scale, and the energy mix used.

Measuring energy intensity typically involves indicators like energy consumption per GDP unit or per ton of produced product. Reducing energy intensity can improve energy security, lower operating costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions when paired with clean energy or efficient technologies. Policy measures often focus on efficiency improvements, modernization of facilities, energy recycling and cogeneration, electrification with low-emission power, and setting efficiency standards. The term also reflects broader economic transitions, where shifts away from energy-intensive activities can alter a country’s overall energy intensity over time.