WASHINGTON — Total energy consumption in the United States manufacturing sector decreased by 17 percent from 2002 to 2010, according to data released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Manufacturing gross output decreased by only 3 percent over the same period. Taken together, these data indicate a significant decline in the amount of energy used per unit of gross manufacturing output. The significant decline in energy intensity reflects both improvements in energy efficiency and changes in the manufacturing output mix. Consumption of every fuel used for manufacturing declined over this period.

The manufacturing sector comprised more than 11 percent of U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) in 2010. The manufacturing base in the United States is broad and includes energy-intensive industries such as petroleum refining, chemicals, aluminum, iron and steel, paper, wood products, and food, as well as less energy-intensive industries such as textiles, leather, apparel, furniture, machinery, and electrical equipment. Energy for manufacturing can be consumed in two ways: as a fuel or as a feedstock (material input to a final product). Energy consumed as a fuel includes all energy used for heat and power. Energy used as feedstock is the use of energy sources for raw material input or for any purpose other than the production of heat or power.

Publication date: 4/15/2013