Energy Intensive Industries
ITP maximizes its technology investments through collaborative R&D partnerships in eight vital industries. These industries use large amounts of heat and energy to physically or chemically transform materials. Collectively, they supply 90% of the materials vital to our economy, produce $1 trillion in annual shipments, directly employ over 3 million people, and indirectly provide an additional 12 million jobs at all skill levels.
Energy Use and Loss Footprints
Learn more about how energy is used, and wasted, in energy intensive industries by looking at the Energy Use and Loss Footprints for each industry. Understanding where and how energy is used within the average plant can help you identify areas of energy intensity and improve efficiency in these areas.
AluminumOur R&D partners are developing advanced processes, including revolutionary smelting technologies that could cut the industry's electricity use by 25% or more. ChemicalsThe U.S. chemical industry produces 25% of the world's chemicals to meet our most fundamental needs and support our most advanced technologies. Forest ProductsWe provide cost-shared support for top R&D needs in such areas as sustainable forestry and improved energy and environmental performance. We also work with other Federal offices on advanced gasification technologies. GlassEnergy costs account for approximately 8-12% of glass production costs. Our industry partners represent all sectors of the glass industry and share a common interest in R&D on energy-efficient melting technologies. |
Metal CastingEnergy expenditures account for about 5% of the value of metal casting shipments. Our cost-shared R&D projects are improving the energy and materials efficiency of U.S. metal casters, who must compete against foreign producers with access to lower-cost energy. MiningEnergy represents about 5% of the value of all mining products. R&D projects include technologies for energy-efficient mining and processing of coal, metals, and industrial minerals. Petroleum RefiningOur cost-shared R&D projects focus on petroleum refining—the most energy-intensive U.S. manufacturing industry. SteelEnergy accounts for about 15% of the total manufacturing cost for steel. This vital industry is responsible for about 2% of all U.S. energy use. |