The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has earmarked $6 billion to support 33 projects across more than 20 states, with the goal of decarbonizing energy-intensive industries and reducing industrial greenhouse gas emissions. The DOE anticipates that these efforts will lead to a reduction of over 14 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions annually.
The funding for these initiatives is derived from two sources: the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which contributes $489 million, and the Inflation Reduction Act, which provides $5.47 billion for projects targeting high-emission industries. These projects are managed by the DOE’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED), with the objective of enhancing America's industrial competitiveness and reducing carbon footprints, as stated in a press release by the DOE.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm expressed her views on these initiatives in a statement released by the DOE: "Spurring on the next generation of decarbonization technologies in key industries like steel, paper, concrete, and glass will keep America the most competitive nation on Earth," said Granholm. "Thanks to President Biden’s industrial strategy, DOE is making the largest investment in industrial decarbonization in the history of the United States. These investments will slash emissions from these difficult-to-decarbonize sectors and ensure American businesses and American workers remain at the forefront of the global economy."
According to another press release by the DOE, the selected projects under this Industrial Demonstrations Program cover various industries - all prioritizing carbon emission reduction and sustainability. Ranging from chemical refining to cement production and from iron and steel manufacturing to aluminum and metals processing, these efforts highlight innovative technologies striving for zero or net-negative emissions.
As per information provided on its webpage by DOE, OCED's mission is to expedite adoption and deployment of clean energy solutions while ensuring an equitable transition towards a decarbonized energy system. The OCED is involved in a variety of initiatives, including clean hydrogen, carbon management, industrial decarbonization, advanced nuclear reactors, long-duration energy storage, and projects in rural or remote areas and on former mine lands.
