Page Types: Research

Industrial Decarbonization

Industry is responsible for approximately one-third of all energy consumption in the United States, more than any other sector of the economy. By evaluating energy efficiency opportunities in conjunction with demand side management opportunities, industry can minimize both cost and carbon emissions while also improving reliability and sustainability of production. While there are many opportunities for increased efficiency in industrial operations, UC Davis is well positioned to work with academic and industry partners to research, identify, develop and demonstrate promising technologies and solutions that improve industrial processes, in particular those that involve heating, cooling, and treating liquids and gases.

The Energy and Efficiency Institute (EEI) is seeking to advance an Industrial Energy Efficiency Initiative. This effort seeks to leverage university research and expertise in HVAC and building systems, water-energy engineering, food and beverage processing (specifically in wineries, breweries, dairies, and specialty products), data analytics, chemistry, and a range of engineering disciplines. EEI will engage strategic partners to advance technologies and best practices. Targeted partners will include, among others:

  • Leading wineries, breweries, and dairies
  • Food Processing Associations and Companies
  • Petroleum Industry, Natural Gas companies, Biorefineries
  • Utilities and Additional universities

Activities

Industrial Energy Efficiency Symposium (July 2019)

On July 31, UC Davis hosted a 1-day symposium on Industrial Energy Efficiency, which convened over 60 people, including participants from UC Davis and University of Houston, representatives from regulatory agencies, utilities, the environmental community, and relevant industry sectors. Read the Key TakeAways.

Solar Thermal Symposium (November 2019)

On November 15, UC Davis and UC Merced hosted a 1-day symposium on to identify solar thermal driven solutions for medium and high temperature applications. The event brought together representatives from R&D agencies, research institutions, and industry. Read a Summary of the Symposium and Key TakeAways.

Contact

For more information, please contact Kelly Kissock.

Rural Electric Cooperatives

Electric cooperatives serve over 40 million consumers in the United States and have a rich history. The Institute is working with Dr. Keith Taylor, an expert on cooperatives in UC Davis’ Community Regional Development department, to examine how local communities can leverage the institutional structure of cooperative organizations to create local jobs, retain local capital resources, and increase investment in renewable energy infrastructure.

REPORT

report cover that shows electric demand response in South Carolina

How South Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives Build Capacity through Multi-level Governance

BOOK

isometric illustrative cover with wind turbines and homes

Governing the Wind Energy Commons: Renewable Energy and Community Development

People

headshot of Keith Taylor

Keith Taylor

Assistant Economic Development Specialist in Cooperative Extension

headshot of Sarah Outcault

Sarah Outcault

EEI Market Transformation Research Director

For more information, please contact Keith Taylor.

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Electric Cooperative Innovation Center

An engaged research center based at the University of Minnesota and University of California-Davis. We build strategic partnerships between electric cooperatives and universities to develop actionable research grounded in the realities of cooperatives that is independent, rigorous, and transparent.
Visit the website

Product Characterization Reports

The Project Team identified and described product categories eligible for evaluation through the Hub in a series of characterization reports that are organized by 9 technology sectors. Each report provides:

  • An overview
  • Characterization of energy benefits, non-energy benefits, differentiation, installation pathways and dependencies
  • List of products
  • Quantification of performance
  • References

Electric Space Conditioning

Electric space conditioning provides heating and/or cooling without using fossil fuels.

Electric Water Heating

Electric water heaters heat water without the use of fossil fuels.

Commercial Refrigeration

Commercial refrigeration use a refrigeration cycle to create low temperatures suitable for storing refrigerated or frozen products.

Energy Management and Information Systems

Energy management and information systems use sensors and controls to collect and report building energy-related data, detect faults, and automate building systems.

Building Fenestration and Windows

Building fenestration and windows includes window and shading products that reduce heating and cooling loads in buildings.

Plug Load Products

Plug load products reduce the electricity used by devices that are plugged into wall outlets.

Lighting

Energy efficient lighting includes direct current lighting, lighting controls, light sources, and indoor lighting quality.

Agricultural Irrigation Systems

Agricultural irrigation systems include irrigation and pumping technologies that save electricity and water.

Energy Storage

Energy storage products store electrical (e.g. batteries) or thermal energy to manage electricity demand.

Contact Information

For more information, please contact Rachael Larson.

Lighting

Commercial Refrigeration