December 20, 2002—To improve energy efficiency in buildings and in manufacturing, the Department of Energy (DOE) has announced awards totaling $4.4 million to advance energy efficient, environmentally clean production and building technologies.
“25 percent of the energy used to heat and cool buildings goes right out the window,” Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham said. “The innovative technologies receiving funding today will improve U.S. industrial competitiveness while reducing energy use, helping to make our nation more secure.”
The Energy Department selected 18 organizations out of 202 proposals to receive funding as part of two DOE programs: Inventions and Innovation (I&I), and the National Industrial Competitiveness through Energy, Environment and Economics (NICE3) initiative.
Among the projects selected for funding are:
- Advanced Processing Technology of Electrochromic Windows: A process to develop new film patterning techniques for energy-saving smart windows. The process improves visible light transmission and reduces glare, while retaining a clear view and increasing thermal comfort.
- An Indirect Route for Ethanol Production: A process to develop fuel ethanol from renewable resources to achieve savings of 80 percent in energy consumption. The process helps U.S. farmers create a market for corn supplies and increases national energy security.
- Manufacturing Ceramic Products from Fiberglass Waste: A low-cost energy method of completely transforming fiberglass waste into a dense ceramic product. The process could eliminate the need for disposal of 260,000 tons of fiberglass waste annually.
- Near-Infrared (NIR) Veneer Strength Sensor for Forest Industry: Use of NIR sensors instead of ultra-sonic technology allows testing for veneer wood strength before drying. The NIR technology will improve process efficiency and reduce product waste, and is expected to save about $23,000 annually in energy costs.
- The Force Modulator: A durable sheet metal technology for the steel industry that allows proper control of press forces during part forming.
DOE’s NICE3 program provides funding to state and industry partnerships (large and small business) for projects that demonstrate advances in energy efficiency and clean production technologies. State and industry partnerships are eligible to receive a one-time grant of up to $525,000. The industrial partner may receive a maximum of $500,000 in federal funding. The non-federal cost share must be at least 50 percent of the total cost of the project.
