ACEEE | American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Jul 9, 2020
Beneficial Electrification in Industry
Beneficial electrification stands out as a top low-carbon solution for industrial decarbonization and should be the foundation of our energy supply as low-carbon generation rapidly increases. There…
Beneficial electrification stands out as a top low-carbon solution for industrial decarbonization and should be the foundation of our energy supply as low-carbon generation rapidly increases. There are multiple routes to beneficial electrification in industry, including immediately available cross-cutting opportunities (e.g., low- to mid-temperature process heat, machine drives, and intermittent fuel switching) and opportunities still in development, such as high-temperature process heat. Sectors such as specialized materials production, heating/drying, surface curing, and melting are already using electric technologies, and more transformative processes are being developed (e.g., in chemicals, iron and steel). To lower the hurdles facing beneficial electrification, stakeholders should prioritize energy efficiency, highlight the nonenergy benefits of beneficial electrification, implement supportive policies, and form partnerships that actively address challenges and spur adoption of electric technologies.
Toward Best Practices for Industrial Innovation: Lessons from the Department of Energy’s Industrial Demonstrations Program
This paper highlights a central lesson for policymakers: Industrial innovation requires alignment across government programs (grants, procurement), financing mechanisms (tax credits, loans), and institutional capacity. When these three are backed by sustained commitment from the public sector, private industry, and external stakeholders, the transition from demonstration to deployment becomes viable.
Bridging the Equity Gap for Utility Energy Efficiency Programs
Utility energy efficiency programs have increased investment in low-income households, but significant gaps remain. This report examines spending and savings trends across 48 major U.S. utilities, identifies barriers to expanding low-income programs and highlights policies and program strategies that can improve energy affordability and equitable access to efficiency upgrades.
This report identifies pathways for India’s cement industry to decarbonise at a pace compatible with the national climate goal of net-zero emissions by 2070.
Home Energy Reports and Beyond: Meeting the Moment with Behavior-Based Energy Efficiency
Home energy report programs, in which utilities provide households with personalized insights into their energy use and tips to lower their bills, are a…
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