Energy Efficiency Is Forever, But US Presidents Come And Go

The article discusses the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) continued commitment to advancing energy efficiency and storage technologies despite shifts in federal energy policy. A recent initiative involves a $155 million investment in 16 projects across national laboratories aimed at improving the competitiveness and energy efficiency of energy-intensive industries such as iron and steel, cement, chemicals, forest products, and food and beverage. While the DOE’s announcement downplayed the decarbonization aspect, the funding is intended to drive technological innovation that reduces costs and energy consumption, ultimately benefiting American workers and consumers. A notable project within this initiative is the SCCALE (Solutions Center for Commercial Advancement of Large-Scale Electrochemistry) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, which received $12.5 million. SCCALE focuses on lowering capital costs and safety risks by reducing reliance on extreme temperatures and pressures in electrochemical processes, thereby saving energy. Electrochemistry is highlighted as a key area with broad sustainability implications, including renewable energy, water purification,