Metalcasting is among the most energy-intensive
industries in the United States. The heating and melting of metals consumes large amounts
of energy; an average of 55% of total energy costs can be attributed to melting [Bates 1997]. According to the most recent Manufacturing Energy
Consumption Survey (MECS), about 156 trillion Btu of energy was consumed by SIC 3321 (gray
and ductile iron foundries) in 1994. Total industry energy consumption is estimated to be
between 200 and 250 trillion Btu, representing about 1% of all U.S. manufacturing energy
use [DOE 1999].
* The
primary component is energy used for heat and power
Note: Years prior to 1994 do not include adjustments for energy shipped offsite. Does not
include losses incurred during the distribution, generation, and transmission of
electricity.
The industry uses roughly equivalent amounts of natural gas,
coke, and electricity (excluding losses)
More than half of all industry energy use is consumed during
metal melting
SIC 3321 represents the majority of industry energy use
The industry's energy expenditures were about 5% of the value
of its shipments in 1997
Energy intensity measures the energy consumed per dollar of
products shipped
