Business enterprises are constantly striving to increase productivity and enhance their competitiveness in the global marketplace. In many cases, electrification—the application of novel, energy-efficient electric technologies as alternatives to fossil-fueled or non-energized processes—can boost productivity and improve the product quality of end-use utility customers. The present case study provides a deep-dive assessment of electric transport refrigeration units (eTRUs) and industrial process heating technologies (infrared curing and drying, induction heat treating, and induction melting). This study develops tailored cost-benefits and assesses non-energy benefits. The emphasis is on opportunities in Entergy’s service territory, including key customer decision points, market barriers, and strategies to overcome market barriers.
Background
Electricity offers the inherent advantages of controllability, precision, versatility, and efficiency compared to fossil-fueled alternatives in many applications. However, a lack of familiarity and experience with technologies prevents many enterprises—particularly small- to medium-size businesses and civil institutions—from pursuing electrification measures that would improve productivity and operational efficiency. Such customers would benefit from information and support from their electric utility.
Objectives
- To identify favorable electric technologies within Entergy’s service territory
- To determine the market potential for adoption of these technologies
Approach
The general deep-dive analysis consists of the following tasks:
- Task 1—Screen technology options and summarize targeted best-fit applications.
- Task 2—Characterize energy and non-energy benefits.
- Task 3—Consider barriers to market adoption.
Results
This report summarizes the key findings from the Electric Power Research Institute’s (EPRI’s) analysis and market research for electric technologies in Entergy’s service territory. Using local electric rates and fossil fuel prices, EPRI has evaluated cost-effectiveness metrics for the targeted electric technologies and the associated utility impacts.
Applications, Value, and Use
This assessment, coupled with market data and input from vendors, was incorporated into EPRI’s market potential impacts assessment model. EPRI has used the model to calculate energy, utility costs, and emissions impacts for various electric technologies.