NEMA Outlines Ways to Decarbonize ‘Difficult’ Industrial Sector

EIN 32 CS int NEMA logo 400

March 23, 2022

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) recently submitted comments to the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) in response to the Advanced Manufacturing Office’s (AMO) Request for Information (RFI) on Industrial Decarbonization Priorities.

In the RFI, the AMO notes that the industrial sector may be ‘difficult-to-decarbonize.’ But difficult doesn’t mean impossible, and there are incremental steps we can take today. The electroindustry recognizes the importance and urgency of decarbonizing manufacturing and production processes as we work towards economy-wide emissions reductions. In our RFI response, NEMA highlighted areas where electroindustry technologies can help decarbonize the industrial sector: Power Drive Systems, Lighting Controls, and Building Management Systems.

Power Drive Systems:

Outdated equipment and control systems can stall decarbonization. However, upgrading legacy equipment to modern, ‘smart manufacturing’ Power Drive Systems (PDS) – that are more energy efficient – can reduce a system’s energy consumption. 

To help end-users achieve decarbonization goals and enable Smart Manufacturing technologies outlined in our comments, NEMA recently published the new “power index” (PI) standard. The standard introduces a PI metric, which allows PDS and drives to be compared for optimal energy savings for end-users. By utilizing the PI in their incentive programs, utilities and regulators can create significant energy savings for American businesses, schools, hospitals, and families – launching the country towards a bright, electrified future.

Lighting Controls & Building Management Systems:

Another area where the electroindustry can facilitate decarbonization is buildings. NEMA shared three ways in our comments:

  1. Upgrading old and inefficient building technologies with energy efficient management systems – the switch could save 30-50% of energy costs;
  2. Installing readily available LED lighting systems that can reduce energy consumption and carbon output up to 75%;
  3. And structuring buildings to make them “smarter” by incorporating natural light results in a 25% energy efficiency rating, compared to 2% from solar panel systems.

You can read NEMA’s full comments HERE

By Fern Abrams, NEMA Industry Director, Industrial Systems and Peter Ferrell, Manager, Connectivity and Data Policy

Source

 

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Navigating Tariff Uncertainty as an Electrical Contractor

    April 15, 2025 By Matthew Biswas These three words put me into a catatonic shock – Supply Chain Disruption. It seems like just yesterday I was standing at a counter asking for products I’d bought 100’s of times before and being told they are on backorder with no expected delivery date. Circuit breakers, dimmers, panels,… Read More…

  • Four Ways Permanent Power Enahnces Outdoor Spaces

    Four Ways Permanent Power Enahnces Outdoor Spaces

    April 14, 2025 Today’s workplaces are expanding beyond the four walls of an office. As technology continues to evolve, employees are looking for new and alternative workspaces to inspire creativity and increase productivity. This includes taking their work to outdoor spaces. Bringing technology to outdoor spaces has become a challenge for facility managers and property… Read More…

  • CAF-FCA Provides Recomendations on Apprenticeship Investment

    CAF-FCA Provides Recomendations on Apprenticeship Investment

    April 13, 2025 CAF-FCA have provided an outline of actionable recommendations—developed through national consultation—to enhance accessibility, reduce financial barriers, and better align apprenticeship training with industry needs. Source Read More…

  • New Report: Preparing Alberta’s Buildings for Severe Weather

    New Report: Preparing Alberta’s Buildings for Severe Weather

    April 13, 2025 Alberta is facing more severe weather events, with rising temperatures, wildfires, and more frequent extreme storms threatening homes and businesses. Our report, Preparing Alberta’s Buildings for Severe Weather−written in partnership with the Alberta Ecotrust Retrofit Accelerator program−highlights the need for deep retrofits to ensure the province’s buildings can withstand these changing conditions. Four… Read More…


Changing Scene