This report discusses the compelling benefits of energy efficiency and the reasons this energy resource warrants being a national priority. It identifies solution strategies, including those proven, piloted, or recently emerged, that could play a role in overcoming barriers.

America's economy and lifestyles have been shaped by the low prices and availability of energy. In the last decade, however, the prices of oil, natural gas, and coal have increased dramatically, leaving consumers and the industrial and service sectors looking for ways to reduce energy use. To achieve greater energy efficiency, we need technology, more informed consumers and producers, and investments in more energy-efficient industrial processes, businesses, residences, and transportation. As part of the America's Energy Future project, Real Prospects for Energy Efficiency in the United States examines the potential for reducing energy demand through improving efficiency by using existing technologies, technologies developed but not yet utilized widely, and prospective technologies. The book evaluates technologies based on their estimated times to initial commercial deployment, and provides an analysis of costs, barriers, and research needs. This quantitative characterization of technologies will guide policy makers toward planning the future of energy use in America. This book will also have much to offer to industry leaders, investors, environmentalists, and others looking for a practical diagnosis of energy efficiency possibilities.

Experts outline a plan to overhaul the U.S. energy innovation system for accelerated, large-scale adoption of reliable, low-cost, low-carbon energy technologies. Energy innovation offers us our best chance to solve the three urgent and interrelated problems of climate change, worldwide insecurity over energy supplies, and rapidly growing energy demand. But if we are to achieve a timely transition to reliable, low-cost, low-carbon energy, the U.S. energy innovation system must be radically overhauled. Unlocking Energy Innovation outlines an up-to-the-minute plan for remaking America's energy innovation system by tapping the country's entrepreneurial strengths and regional diversity in both the public and private spheres. “Business as usual” will not fill the energy innovation gap. Only the kind of systemic, transformative changes to our energy innovation system described in this provocative book will help us avert the most dire scenarios and achieve a sustainable and secure energy future.

This book will reveal cost reductions and how to slash your energy costs without having to invest a lot of money. You don’t need to spend a lot to save a lot! The three pillars of cost reduction are discussed: assembling your options and analyzing your risk, developing options with your utility, and cutting out obvious waste in your operation. Those who will benefit from this exceptional and unique text are business owners, CFOs, plant managers, plant engineers, and energy managers. You will learn how to distill what cost savings are possible and how you can quickly accomplish those savings from what you already know. You can expect to walk away at the end of this book with confidence and a realistic plan of action for reducing your costs.