ACEEE | American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Apr 29, 2022
Reimagining Program Design at DOE to Accelerate Transformative Industrial Technology Deployment at Scale
This white paper explores how DOE and AMO can respond to (1) growing societal demand for lower-carbon production, (2) shifts in how energy is provided, and (3) the limited time remaining to avert t…
This white paper explores how DOE and AMO can respond to (1) growing societal demand for lower-carbon production, (2) shifts in how energy is provided, and (3) the limited time remaining to avert the worst impacts of climate change. An effective response will require an accelerated scaling of transformative technologies and support throughout the scaling process (e.g., beyond R&D). We suggest that DOE and AMO pursue a phased approach with a mixture of quick wins, bigger stretch items, and parallel investments. ACEEE believes the focus must be on technology deployment, scale, and dispersion across the broad range of industrial activities and applications. AMO can build on the foundation of earlier industrial collaborations, incorporate external viewpoints on lowering interaction barriers, consider new ways to finance major projects, and use agile programmatic approaches. To engage a broader portion of industrial companies, a tailored, lower-overhead approach will be needed for small- and medium-sized manufacturers, light industry, and entrepreneurs.
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.
Efficiency Saves: Cutting Energy Waste Can Save $31,000 per Household
The United States faces interlocking energy challenges: rising home energy bills and gasoline prices; new demand for electricity from data centers and other loads; high greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels.
Now, a new era of energy efficiency progress in our buildings, transportation, and industry is needed to meet this moment. This wide-ranging study finds a massive opportunity.
Support the Work That Makes Energy Go Further
ACEEE’s independent research and advocacy depend on the support of foundations, businesses, and individuals committed to cutting energy bills, waste, and climate pollution.
Rightor, Ed, Pavitra Srinivasan, and Neal Elliott. 2022. Reimagining Program Design at DOE to Accelerate Transformative Industrial Technology Deployment at Scale. Washington, DC: ACEEE. aceee.org/resource/reimagining-program-design-doe
