The U.S. chemical industry has made significant improvements in energy efficiency over the last two decades. Fuel and power energy consumption per unit of output declined by 41% since 1974. Much of this achieved efficiency improvement is the result of aggressive energy management and housekeeping programs instituted after the 1973 oil crisis. Improved process and equipment designs (e.g., more efficient designs for distillation, new catalysts) have also contributed to gains in energy efficiency. The increased adoption of energy-efficient practices like cogeneration, waste-heat recovery, and heat integration have also helped to reduce overall energy intensity. [ACC 2001]

Energy Intensity Ratio of Total Inputs of Energy per Value of Shipments

Source: MECS 1985, 1988, 1991, 1994, 1998

Energy Purchases for Heat and Power 1992-2001
(Percent of Shipments)

Source: DOE 1993, 1996, 2001

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