Electricity supply industry profitability

The concepts of Pinch Point Analysis can be extended from a single plant to an industrial site. Usually, several plants share the utility system, namely steam and water, and the same electricity supplier. The export/import of utilities via the site utility system is a simple way for integration, with significant economic advantages. For example, further expansion of the energy supply can be done in the central utility plant and distributed via the existing network. The optimisation of steam levels in individual plants is more profitable when the total site is considered. 

The emergence of the electrochemical industry was dependent upon adequate power supplies. As far as is known, the German chemical industry obtained sufficient electric power, and at the right price, to meet all its requirements. In Britain, where the construction of power grids was restricted, the chemical industry suffered from a lack of supply. A good example of the difficulties encountered, as well as of the attitudes, is the British Alizarine Company s London factory.In 1904 the company started research into electrolytic oxidation, a project that had been considered some time previously, and that was expected to boost profits. However, no power supply was available, and the company did not consider the installation of its own generating station. British Alizarine was prevented from embarking on the electrolytic process simply by the lack of electricity, at least until later in the year when a temporary power line was installed. 

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