From the ITP  Metalcasting  Technology Manager

The U.S. Department of Energy, Industrial Technologies Program (ITP) seeks to improve the energy intensity of the U.S. industrial sector through a coordinated program of research and development, validation, and dissemination of energy efficiency technologies and operating practices.  ITP partners with industry, its equipment manufacturers, and its many stakeholders to reduce our Nation’s reliance on foreign energy sources, reduce environmental impacts, increase the use of renewable energy sources, improve competitiveness, and improve the quality of life for American workers, families, and communities.

Under ITP, the Metal Casting Subprogram cost-shares precompetitive research to improve energy efficiency in the U.S. metal casting industry.  It fosters research partnerships - emphasizing university based R&D.  Broad industry and university participation (over 325 active R&D partners) in the metal casting research is facilitated through the Cast Metals Coalition, which is composed of the American Foundry Society (AFS), the North American Die Casting Association (NADCA), and the Steel Founders’ Society of America (SFSA).  Collectively, this represents 80 percent of the U.S. metal casting industry.

An important benefit of this partnership is the introduction of talented young students to the metal casting technology research that is being conducted at so many universities. The metal casting research is addressing the growing need in training and recruiting technical professionals for the next generation of leadership for the metal casting industry. 

Industry can save enormous amount of energy today - more than 200 trillion Btu/year - implementing off-the-shelf technologies and energy management practices.  ITP funds technical assistance activities to stimulate near-term adoption of the best energy-saving technologies and practices within industry.  This assistance includes plant assessments, tool development and training, information dissemination, and showcase demonstrations.  To reach as many as plants possible, ITP also purses a replication strategy called Allied Partnership.

In addition to the activities at the National level, ITP has traditionally worked in states to identify localized industrial needs and implement Industries of the Future at the State level.  States create industry profiles, and develop visions and roadmaps that reflect their industries.  Although State Roadmaps are more narrowly focused than their National counterparts, they are consistent with, and augment, the National Roadmaps.

Ehr Ping HuangFu, Ph.D.
Technology Manager, Metal Casting
Industrial Technologies Program
Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
U.S. Department of Energy