The DOE's In-Plant Training (INPLT) Model to Promote Energy Efficiency in the Industrial Sector

In-Plant Training (INPLT) is a new model for developing energy efficiency expertise within the US manufacturing companies participating in the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Better Buildings, Better Plants Program. That program is a nationwide initiative to drive a 25% reduction in industrial energy intensity in 10 years. INPLTs are designed to fill a niche by providing hands on training in a real world manufacturing plant environment. Through INPLTs, participants from multiple manufacturing plants, supply chains, utilities, and other external stakeholders learn how to conduct energy assessments, use energy analysis tools to analyze energy saving opportunities, develop energy management systems, and implement energy savings projects. Typical INPLT events are led by DOE-certified Energy Experts and range from 2-4 days. Topics discussed include: identification of cross-cutting or system specific opportunities; introduction to ISO 50001 Energy Management Systems; energy project implementation and replication. This model is flexible, and can be tailored to suit the needs of specific industries. The INPLTs are a significant departure from the traditional single plant energy assessment model (ESA Model) previously employed by DOE. INPLTs shift the focus from the concept of a single-plant’s energy profile to a broader focus on training and capacity building among multiple industrial participants. The objective is to enable trainees to identify, quantify, implement and replicate future energy saving projects without continued external assistance. The paper discusses lessons learned from the previous DOE’s energy saving assessments (ESAs) and then discusses the INPLT model and highlights some of the initial outcomes from the successfully delivered INPLTs. Finally, the paper shows the overall impact of the INPLT Model in terms of numbers of plants/participants trained, impacted energy footprints, and potential replication of identified opportunities.