What electric forklifts teach us about creative policy [partner content]
Oct 11, 2023
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Learn about the potential of electric forklifts in boosting electrification and grid management. Discover the advantages of electric forklifts and the impact of federal dollars on electrification technologies. Explore the role of utilities in promoting emission reduction programs and the potential of the Inflation Reduction Act in clean energy investments.
14:49
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Quick takeaways
Electrifying forklifts can be a cost-effective way to boost electrification efforts and add a resource for demand management to the grid.
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has the potential to drive decarbonization by bringing heat pump water heaters into broader awareness and supporting electrification efforts.
Deep dives
Electrification of Forklifts: A Cost-Effective Path to Boosting Electrification
The podcast episode discusses the potential of electrifying forklifts to accelerate electrification goals. By leveraging lithium-ion technology, converting the 1.5 million forklifts sold in the US every year to run on lithium-ion batteries can be a cost-effective way to boost electrification efforts. The episode highlights the need to address traditional barriers, educate customers about the advantages of this technology, and involve utilities in the promotion process. It also showcases how this case study exemplifies how policy and programs can drive decarbonization in unique ways.
Inflation Reduction Act and Potential Impact on Heat Pump Water Heaters
The podcast highlights the potential impact of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) on heat pump water heaters, which could be the next technology to scale across the country. The conversation emphasizes how the IRA can bring these technologies into broader awareness outside of clean energy circles and support electrification efforts. The podcast also discusses the importance of federal dollars through the IRA, specifically focusing on the two home rebate programs and the opportunity for market transformation and decarbonization through fuel switching end-uses within homes.
Utilities' Role in Amplifying the Impact of Inflation Reduction Act
The podcast emphasizes the crucial role of utilities in deploying Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funds and structuring programs effectively. Utilities, as stakeholders, play a significant role in maximizing the impact of federal rebates by layering incentives on top of them, especially for households that need the most financial assistance. They are also involved in data sharing and evaluation, analyzing energy consumption before and after projects. The episode highlights the unique position of utilities to promote specific programs or technologies and emphasizes the importance of their involvement in driving electrification programs forward.
This is a partner podcast episode, brought to you by DNV.
Wes Whited and Angie Ziech-Malek work for DNV designing efficiency, electrification, and decarbonization programs for utilities. And lately, they’ve been paying attention to electric forklifts.
There are 1.5 million forklifts sold in the U.S. every year. And converting that vast fleet to run on lithium-ion batteries could be a cost-effective way to boost electrification – and add a helpful resource for demand management to the grid.
Speeding up adoption means getting the utility involved in the education and promotion process. The forklift example is one of many creative approaches to program design that are emerging in the wake of the Inflation Reduction Act, which expanded incentives for a wide range of clean energy technologies.
In this episode, Wes and Angie talk with Stephen Lacey about how technology progress, creative thinking, and the Inflation Reduction Act are all aligning in transformative ways.