U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Industrial Technologies Program

Energy Intensive Industries

ITP maximizes its technology investments through collaborative R&D partnerships in nine vital industries. These nine industries necessarily 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.

Aluminum  Our R&D partners are developing advanced processes, including revolutionary smelting technologies that could cut the industry's electricity use by 25% or more. Chemicals  The U.S. chemical industry produces 25% of the world's chemicals to meet our most fundamental needs and support our most advanced technologies. Forest Products  We 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. Glass  Energy 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 Casting  Energy 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. Mining  Energy 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 Refining  Our cost-shared R&D projects focus on petroleum refining—the most energy-intensive U.S. manufacturing industry. Steel  Energy 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.