OCR Text |
Show INTRODUCTION Since inception in the middle of the "energy crisis" in 1977 the Department of Energy's industrial combustion activities have focused on the needs of indust~. Industrial' combustion activities are now. conducted by DOE's Office of Industrial Technologies (OIT). Initially, emphasis was on energy elfic:iency and conservation, reflecting the high energy costs at the time. As energy prices declined, enVironmental regulations became a major industry concem. DOE industrial combustion activities began to emphasize emission reduction while still retaining the efficiency focus. Pos~ combustion controls for NOx reduction began to be used in the worst of the ozone nonattainment areas. Because of the complexity and high cost of post-combustion systems such as selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR), industry used such -systems only when forced. Obviously costs impact the bottom line. Industry also adopted a strategy to make maximum use of the "grandfather" clause in environmental regulations which excluded old combustion equipment from the regulations which impacted new combustion systems. This strategy had the effect of redUcing the sales of combustion equipment suppliers, leaving them in a weakened state. Reduction of their RD&D efforts followed. At the same time, EPA's industrial combustion RD&D activities were sharply reduced. Both actions had the effect of 'slowing the introduction of advanced combustion systems into the American industrial infrastructure. DOE's industrial combustion activities remain, although reduced severely by recent budget cuts. The focus of this activity has evolved and focuses on three cornerstones which reflect industry needs: ••• Emissions Reduction Energy Efficiency Reasonable Cost Starting in 1995, OIT shifted from a technology focus to an industry focus. The industries of emphasis are: aluminum, chemicals, forest products, glass, metal casting, petroleum refining and steel. The decision to focus on seven target industries was made since they consume well over 80% of the energy used by U. S. industry and they are responsible for more than 900/0 of the waste and air emissions generated by industry. This strategy has been termed by OIT the "Industries of the Future". While previous OIT activities were centered on broad technological advancements, with an industry focus, OIT projects now direct these technological advancements toward meeting the needs of seven target industries. WHY INDUSTRIES OF THE FUTURE? Through the Industries of the Future stratagy DOE-funded research is brought to a sharp focus to benefit industry. In recent years, industry and government leaders have recognized that issues of oompetitiveness, the environme~t, jobs, and energy cannot be addressed successfully with a short term perspective or with fragmented, often conflicting agendas. If the U. S. is to maintain leadership in the global economy, key participants must come ~ogether to tackle these issues cooperatively. Improvements can boost efficiency and environmental performance, while simultaneously reducing energy and resource use and cutting industry costs. 2 |