The “Energy AND” Mindset: A Smarter Approach to Energy Optimization via PEAK by Becht

Welcome to the first article in a multi-part series about PEAK (Practical Energy Assessment Kit), Becht’s new energy efficiency assessment tool designed to help refineries unlock their full potential.

Operating a refinery has always been a complex balancing act. These days, with rising energy costs, ever-changing regulations, and stiff global competition, it’s an even trickier tightrope to walk. Energy optimization has become more critical than ever, yet it often struggles for attention alongside a refinery’s many other objectives—among them safety, reliability, and profitability.

The truth is, energy isn’t just another item on the to-do list; it’s the thread that weaves through almost every other critical goal. Adopting an “Energy AND” mindset brings this into focus. Think about it:

• Energy AND safety: Better energy management can reduce risks like equipment failure.
• Energy AND reliability: Efficient systems mean fewer unexpected outages and more operational stability.
• Energy AND margin yield: Every bit of energy waste you eliminate goes straight to your bottom line.

And the list goes on. The connections are everywhere, and when energy becomes part of the bigger picture, refineries can operate more sustainably and stay competitive. This is exactly where Becht’s newly developed energy efficiency assessment tool, called PEAK (Practical Energy Assessment Kit), comes in. It’s built to help refineries uncover these links and turn them into measurable results—all without the need for any capital investments.

Introducing PEAK

PEAK isn’t a typical, static tool—it’s a dynamic methodology led by Becht’s seasoned experts. The approach blends decades of industry experience, practical strategies, and close collaboration with refinery teams to identify energy gaps and offer meaningful solutions.

Here’s how it works:

1. Data collection: Becht’s experts start remotely, working with your site to review operational data, pinpoint inefficiencies, and build a baseline for energy use.
2. On-site assessment: Once on the ground at your site, Becht’s specialists dive deeper—engaging with cross-functional refinery teams, validating the data, and uncovering opportunities you may not have noticed before.
3. Roadmap creation: Finally, Becht delivers a clear, prioritized action plan packed with specific recommendations to tackle your energy gaps head-on.

What sets PEAK apart is its focus on optimizing what you already have. Instead of pushing expensive capital investments, it prioritizes low-cost or no-cost solutions that can deliver real improvements in energy efficiency, safety, and reliability.

In the second article of this series, we’ll take a closer look at each of PEAK’s three phases, exploring how its hands-on approach delivers real, lasting improvements.

PEAK goes beyond simply assessing—it benchmarks. Using resources like the Peer Performance Matrix, it helps refineries see where they stand today and map out a clear path to energy excellence.

Who Benefits from PEAK?

PEAK is designed with everyone in mind. For refinery leadership teams, it offers clarity on where to focus resources for maximum impact. For energy teams, it delivers detailed recommendations to guide your day-to-day operations. The real strength of the tool lies in its ability to bridge the gap between big-picture strategy and on-the-ground execution, creating meaningful change across your organization.

Why PEAK Matters

PEAK is all about creating value. It does this in two key ways:

• Leveraging existing resources: PEAK focuses on identifying opportunities to save energy using your current assets. No big infrastructure upgrades, no enormous capital investments—just smart, practical improvements that deliver results.
• Targeting energy gaps: By prioritizing the areas with the greatest potential impact, PEAK ensures you’re spending time and resources where they matter most, which drives both immediate and long-term benefits.

When energy efficiency becomes a focus, everything else—cost savings, sustainability, reliability—falls into place.

The Expertise Behind PEAK

What makes PEAK so effective isn’t just the methodology; it’s the team who brings it to life. Becht’s subject matter experts have decades of real-world experience across every aspect of refinery operations, from fired heaters and utility systems to process optimization and energy management. They’ve seen—and solved—every challenge.

At Becht, we know that no two refineries are the same, so a cookie-cutter approach isn’t going to cut it. That’s why our experts work side-by-side with your team to craft recommendations that fit your specific needs. By blending our technical know-how with your firsthand understanding of the site, we create solutions that actually work in the real world. And the strategies we deliver don’t simply solve the issues you’re facing today; they also give your people the tools and confidence to keep the momentum going long after we’re done.

Energy inefficiencies aren’t always easy to spot. Issues like air leaks, bypasses, and underperforming equipment are often hidden in plain sight. Becht’s expertise dives below the surface, bringing these overlooked challenges to light and transforming them into opportunities for improvement.

Reflect and Take Action

Let’s face it: energy management doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. The PEAK tool aims to change that, proving that meaningful improvements can be made without massive investments.

As you think about your own operations, ask yourself:

• Is your energy culture aligned with your operational goals?
• Are there inefficiencies you’ve been overlooking?
• What small changes could you start making today to reduce costs and boost performance?

The next move is yours. Reflect, adjust, and when you’re ready, Becht is here to help you take your energy management to the next level.