TAEBC reconvened participants from the Knox County Mayor’s manufacturer’s energy roundtable to talk more about energy challenges and opportunities the industry faces in Knox County.

Joining TAEBC at the RAMP conference were:

  • Dean Lee, Head Location Management, Siemens
  • Kennon Rollins, Engineering Manager, Keurig Green Mountain
  • Ben Armijo, Utilities Manager, Dow Chemical

As an end-use sector, manufacturing is the most diverse in the U.S. economy in terms of its energy sources, foundational technologies, and the products manufacturing produces. So, integrating advanced and energy efficient technologies into operations and process or end products, can help give our manufacturers a competitive edge.

All three representatives stressed the need for trusted partners, peer-to-peer information sharing and methods to reduce risks when they consider deploying a new, more efficient technology or process at their plant.

TAEBC’s Advanced Energy Asset Inventory provides a great first access point to manufacturers looking to deploy more efficient processes or technologies. During our visit to Washington D.C. to meet with the U.S. Department of Energy, we learned of several programs and technical assistance resources available to manufacturers. One in particular that assists with peer-to-peer learning is the Better Plants Challenge.

TAEBC continues to engage with the ten manufacturers from the summer roundtable to develop projects that can help our manufacturers gain more control of their energy costs. Stay tuned!

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