May 26, 2022

May ’22 at-a-glance … energy

DOE proposes to amend WIC/WIF test procedures

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is seeking feedback on its proposal to amend test procedures for walk-in coolers/walk-in freezers to more fully represent field energy use and better account for the range of component equipment designs. As always, DOE is seeking comments on whether the proposed changes are economically feasible and technologically justified. “It’s important to emphasize how the pandemic and supply chain challenges have impacted input materials and other related costs,” said NAFEM Vice President of Regulatory and Technical Affairs Charlie Souhrada, CFSP. Comments are due June 21.

DOE adds time to the comment period for the preliminary ACIM Technical Support Document  

The DOE has extended the comment period for the automatic commercial ice maker (ACIM) Technical Support Document (TSD) to June 7. NAFEM, one of four organizations that petitioned for more time, will submit comments by the revised deadline. Separate comments should be identified by docket number EERE–2017–BT–STD–0022, and sent by email (ACIM2017STD0022@ee.doe.gov), or through the Federal eRulemaking portal (http://www.regulations.gov).

Clean energy technology research takes another step forward

DOE and the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) announced plans to jointly

research technology solutions that deliver 100 percent clean energy. Already, the two organizations are advancing battery technologies, solar cell performance, and competitions that engage state, local and tribal governments to address climate change. Future research topics may include renewable energy technologies, agriculture, critical minerals and materials, and manufacturing. DOE and NSF also could expand research areas to infrastructure, university-industry partnerships, education and workforce development, and activities supporting diversity, equity and inclusion.

ASRAC meeting scheduled

DOE’s Appliance Standards and Rulemaking Federal Advisory Committee (ASRAC) will meet June 9. Those interested in attending can register by email or call. Foreign nationals wishing to participate should advise DOE as soon as possible. 

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