Energy efficiency in the South African oil refiniing industry

This paper presents the preliminary findings from a research study which explores the drivers and barriers for energy efficiency improvements in South African crude oil refineries. These influences are important in understanding the discrepancy between theoretical potential savings and actual implementation of energy saving measures. Preliminary findings are in agreement with recent literature in the field of drivers and barriers for energy efficiency improvement. However disparate views were found pertaining to availability of capital, the impact of economic climate on energy efficiency investments and technical skill required for energy efficiency measures.