Right Onsite: Accelerating deployment of onsite clean energy technology in the industrial sector (presentation)

Achieving net-zero emissions in the US industrial sector will require simultaneously pursuing technology solutions in energy efficiency, electrification, and low-carbon sources, as well as carbon capture, utilization, and storage. Among this portfolio of strategies, generating clean power onsite at industrial facilities combined with electrifying processes is critically needed to fully decarbonize industry. Although some industrial users have already installed such technology, various barriers exist that impede broad adoption. Based on stakeholder engagement activities performed in 2022, DOE identified significant barriers and needs for industrial end- users to install onsite clean energy solutions. Building on those activities, in 2023 the DOE’s Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization Office (IEDO) announced a new program focused on deployment of onsite energy to meet those needs and help industrial facilities and other large energy users to increase the adoption of onsite clean energy technologies. This paper will describe the current state of onsite clean energy generation in the U.S. industrial sector, perspectives from industry about their interest in onsite energy, barriers to wide adoption, and the technical assistance, tools, and training that industry needs in this space. It also describes strategies DOE is developing to meet these needs by supporting subject matter expertise, research, and analysis in onsite clean energy technologies. Industry needs tools and guidance that provide unbiased evaluations of multi-technology solutions, information about policy incentives and financial support, assistance engaging with communities and other stakeholders, and support for workforce development efforts