The importance of localized manufacturing for Energy sector independence and industrial resilience

The energy industry faces a critical challenge: ensuring operational continuity and production resilience amid increasingly fragile global supply chains. Recent events, from geopolitical crises to fluctuations in raw material markets, have highlighted the need for a more autonomous and efficient production strategy. In this scenario, Additive Manufacturing (AM) emerges as a key solution to reducing reliance on traditional supply chains and strengthening the energy sector’s industrial security.

Challenges of global supply chains in the Energy Sector

Energy production, whether in oil & gas or renewables, heavily relies on highly specialized components. However, the increasing instability of global supply chains brings significant challenges:

•    Long lead times: The production and shipment of critical components often take months, delaying essential operations and maintenance.

•    High costs and price fluctuations: Supply chain disruptions and rising raw material costs directly impact corporate budgets.

•    Obsolescence and limited availability: Out-of-production or hard-to-source components create high operational risks.

Additive Manufacturing: a breakthrough for the Energy Sector

AM overcomes these challenges through localized production, offering greater independence and shorter lead times. Roboze’s advanced manufacturing technologies, utilizing composite materials like Carbon PEEK and high-performance super polymers, enable the production of precision-engineered components directly at manufacturing sites or maintenance centers.

Key Benefits of Additive Manufacturing for Energy:

1.    On-demand production and inventory reduction: Companies can produce exactly what they need, when they need it, eliminating costly warehousing and resource waste.

2.    Optimized repair and maintenance times: The ability to produce spare parts on-site drastically reduces downtime and improves operational continuity.

3.    Use of high-performance materials: Advanced polymers and composite materials resistant to extreme temperatures and corrosive environments enhance component durability and reliability.

4.    Reduced environmental impact: Additive manufacturing minimizes material waste and intercontinental transport, significantly lowering CO₂ emissions.

5.    Design flexibility and customization: AM allows for optimized, lightweight components that improve performance without the constraints of traditional manufacturing.

Case Study: Corrosion Prevention Supports for Pipelines

Energy infrastructure is constantly exposed to extreme environmental conditions that accelerate the deterioration of metallic components. To address this issue, Roboze has developed pipeline supports made from PEEK, a material highly resistant to corrosion and high temperatures. These supports eliminate critical contact points that cause corrosion, significantly extending pipeline lifespan and reducing maintenance needs.
With Roboze’s technology ecosystem, these components can be produced on demand directly in remote locations, cutting down lead times and ensuring operational continuity even in harsh environments.

Additionally, Roboze solutions allow for full customization of each support to match the specific infrastructure requirements, improving performance and optimizing operational costs. This innovation is transforming maintenance strategies in energy networks, reducing reliance on external suppliers and increasing operational reliability.

Moving towards a more independent Energy production

The strategic adoption of Roboze’s advanced manufacturing in the energy sector is a crucial step in reducing dependence on global supply chains. Investing in this technology enhances industrial resilience, reduces operational costs, and ensures greater security in energy production and distribution.

If your company operates in the energy sector and wants to explore the opportunities offered by Roboze’s technological ecosystem, contact our experts for a tailored consultation.