DOE Launches Second Round of Industrial Energy Savings Assessments
November 06, 2006
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced that a second round of 250 Industrial Energy Saving Assessments (ESAs) is open for applications by eligible industrial facilities. By providing these assessments, DOE is working with major manufacturing facilities to identify energy- and money-saving opportunities, primarily by focusing on steam and process heating systems.
The first 138 energy savings assessments in 2006 identified nearly $342 million in potential annual savings in process heating and steam systems. This represents almost 35 trillion Btu of natural gas savings; equivalent to the amount of natural gas used by over 480,000 US homes in one year. If plants fully implement these recommendations, they will, on average, reduce their energy bill by more than seven percent, saving $2.5 million per year.
Kohler Company, a well-known manufacturer of plumbing supplies and fixtures, recently completed an Energy Savings Assessment. The assessment focused on reducing the amount of energy used in Kohler’s process heating systems for cast iron. Kohler employees were also introduced to and trained on DOE’s Process Heating Assessment and Survey Tool. This software tool is available to companies free of charge to help assess their energy use and identify energy savings opportunities.
For the next round of Energy Savings Assessments, DOE is broadening their scope in two ways:
In addition to assessments in process heating and steam systems, DOE will offer assessments in pumps, fans and compressed air systems.
DOE will offer cost-sharing options with industrial end users, utilities and other partners.
DOE is currently inviting large industries to take part in this national effort. The application process for the second round of Energy Savings Assessments began October 2.To apply, eligible companies should visit the Save Energy Now Web site: www.eere.energy.gov/industry/saveenergynow.
DOE also offers technical training, software assessment tools and technical tips and publications.
Companies interested in accessing DOE energy saving resources can request the Save Energy Now CD at http://www.eere.energy.gov/industry/saveenergynow/cd_rom.html.
