Industrial electrification trend shows strength

Journal Article · Sun May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1983 · Electr. World; (United States)

OSTI ID:6136018

Burwell, C C

One outcome of the oil embargo and cartel has been that, on the average, the price ratio of electricity to oil and gas has been cut in half. Some observers of the electric-utility industry may consider this change unimportant as electricity is still four times as expensive as oil or gas based on dollars per delivered Btu. For numerous uses, however, a given amount of electricity can replace several times as much fossil-fuel energy when relative efficiencies are considered. Thus with decreasing cost ratio, electricity can be justified by certain processes where it was previously uneconomical. A study of industrial activity suggests that several large industries are poised for a substantial shift to electric processing. Among them are the steel, aluminum, copper, glass, cement, petroleum, and paper industries. The potential and incentive for further electrification, from a thermodynamic standpoint, are strongest in manufacturing sectors that require high processing temperatures. 2 figures.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge Associated Universities, TN
• OSTI ID: 6136018
• Journal Information: Electr. World; (United States), Journal Name: Electr. World; (United States) Vol. 197:5; ISSN ELWOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
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32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
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ECONOMICS
ELECTRIC POWER
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
FUEL SUBSTITUTION
INDUSTRY
MANUFACTURING
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