Efficient Use of Energy

U.S. Becoming More Energy Efficient

The U.S. economy is expected to become more energy efficient as it continues to shift away from heavy manufacturing toward services and less energy-intensive industries. Rising energy prices and the adoption of policies that promote energy efficiency also contribute to this trend. As a result, energy use in the U.S. is projected to decline by 42% by 2035.

Increasing Demand from Emerging Markets

Growth in energy demand over the next twenty years is expected to come almost exclusively from developing economies. India’s energy consumption is projected to grow by 3.2% annually, outpacing China’s forecast growth rate of 3%. In comparison, U.S. energy consumption is expected to grow 0.5% per year.

Growth In Demand

Growth in Demand, Countries Outside the Organization for Economic Development and Cooperation (OECD), 2000-2035 (quadrillion Btu) *Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

How CMU is Addressing the Challenge

It sounds simple, but the world must begin to use the energy we already have far more efficiently. 

Carnegie Mellon researchers are developing solutions to improve efficiency in energy transmission and use; integrate renewables into the existing menu of hydrocarbon energy sources; develop smart grid technologies including advanced batteries; reduce the need for energy in new and existing buildings; better understand consumer choices in energy and vehicle use, and reduce pollution associated with energy resource extraction.

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Learn about ongoing CMU research in these areas: 

• Study Finds Benefits of Plug-in Vehicles Depend on Battery Size
• CMU Unveils Groundbreaking Solutions for Energy-Efficient Lighting
• CMU Unveils New System for Monitoring Consumer Electricity Use
• CMU Joins U.S. Department of Energy Research Consortium To Pioneer New Energy Efficient Building Designs
• Researchers Study the Impact Hybrid Cars Have on Global Environment
• Study: Establishing a Price for Carbon Emissions in the U.S. Would Spur Immediate Reductions in Energy Consumption and More Efficient Use of Power Generators
• CMU and Intel Collaborate to Improve Energy Costs and Efficiency in Chip Making
• Team Developing New Materials and Processes to Improve Power Invertors for Industrial Transformers
• Geography Plays Key Role in Emission Benefits of Renewables, Energy Efficiency Measures
• CMU’s Kitchin Receives Early Career Award for Ongoing Research in Clean Energy and Energy Storage Applications
• CMU’s Rubin Helps California Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions