Improving energy efficiency in American manufacturing involves sourcing energy from a variety of sources, including low-carbon fuels such as hydrogen or biofuels, and using onsite energy sources, such as concentrated solar thermal and geothermal energy. Learn more about fuels and energy sources.
Feedstocks refer to material inputs to industrial processes needed to manufacture products. A large portion of the feedstocks used in manufacturing today are fossil fuels. For example, methane is used to produce hydrogen, a critical feedstock in petroleum refining and ammonia production. When the hydrogen from the methane (CH4) is extracted, the remaining carbon is typically emitted into the atmosphere. Potential sources of low-carbon feedstocks include hydrogen, bio-based feedstocks, and end-of-life materials like scrap steel and recycled plastics. Learn more about industrial feedstocks.
Why Is RD&D in Low-Carbon Fuels, Feedstocks, and Energy Sources Important?
Replacing traditional fuels and feedstocks with low-carbon alternatives at industrial facilities can significantly increase energy efficiency, lower costs, and reduce emissions, helping U.S. manufacturers remain competitive in evolving global markets where demand for low-carbon products is increasing.
ITO Research in Low-Carbon Fuels, Feedstocks, and Energy Sources
The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Industrial Technologies Office (ITO) projects develop technologies and components that can provide solutions through:
- Modifying and replacing existing combustion-based equipment and developing new equipment to incorporate onsite energy sources for heat and power delivery.
- Developing industrial processes and materials that enable the use of low-carbon feedstocks such as biofuels and recycled materials in industrial processes.
Funding Opportunities
- ITO Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Multi-Topic Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA)
- AMO FY 2021 Multi-Topic FOA
- AMO FY 2020 Multi-Topic FOA
- AMO FY 2019 Multi-Topic FOA
Additional Resources