Energy & Manufacturing in Appalachia (EMA)
This initiative provides technical assistance and business support to small and medium manufacturers and enterprises seeking to expand business, production and jobs in the energy supply chains.
Get ConnectedEnergy DIY Tools
Self-Assessment
In 15 minutes, get a report on where you should focus your energy strategies.
Get StartedEnergy Efficient Factory Toolkit
Determine your baseline emissions and create a plan to achieve reduction goals.
Learn MoreIncentive Finder
There are millions of dollars in available grants and tax incentives. Identify which ones are the best fit with the largest ROI.
Get StartedGHG Emissions Calculator
Compute the Greenhouse Gas Emissions through your facilities and operations.
Learn MoreHelping Manufacturers Embrace Energy
Manufacturing companies also need to walk-the-talk on the net zero pathway as they expand manufacturing in these industries, and reinvest money from saved energy in business and workers. EMA helps with these initiatives through emissions reductions assessments and implementation strategies that increase efficiency and reduce production costs.
The Appalachian region of 156 counties of Maryland, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia has been central in the coal energy sector which powered American manufacturing might, and to the natural gas industry which is now a cornerstone of America’s energy independence. EMA was established to help small and medium manufacturers be a part of this Energy Economy. This program is managed by Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) organizations from five Appalachian states. The activities and intended outcomes of EMA align with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) MEP and its mission to enhance the productivity and technological performance of U.S. manufacturing.
Get ConnectedThis clean economy vision builds on the competitive assets of the region and looks to create an Appalachian Decarbonization Hub with key elements that will include:
Power Generation & Management
- Electric Grids
- Geothermal
- Hydropower
- Hydrogen Production
- Natural Gas
- Nuclear
- Solar
- Wind
Product-Related
- Batteries
- Chemicals
- Circular Plastics
- Energy Efficiency
- Grid Components
- Low-Carbon Products
Connections
Manufacturers should connect with their local MEP Point of Contact to learn more about EMA opportunities:
- PENNSYLVANIA
Catalyst Connection (southwestern part of PA MEP)
Tom Reed
treed@catalystconnection.org
(412) 918-4269 - Johnstown Area Regional Industries (JARI)
Dave Grimaldi
dgrimaldi@jari.com
(814) 262-8366 - IMC (central part of PA MEP)
Dennis Gilbert
dennisg@imcpa.com
(570) 329-3200 - MANTEC (south central part of PA MEP)
Bruce Newell
bruce@mantec.org
(717) 833-6196 - MRC (central east part of PA MEP)
Shawn Furman
Shawn.Furman@mrcpa.org
(610) 737-2529 - NEPIRC (northeastern part of PA MEP)
Drew Mackie
drew@nepirc.com
(570) 704-0035 - NWIRC (northwestern part of PA MEP)
Robert Zaruta
rzaruta@nwirc.org
(814) 217-6061 - OHIO
MAGNET(part of Ohio MEP)
Janelle M. Lee
jlee@manufacturingsuccess.org
(513) 257-5338 - WEST VIRGINIA
WVU (and WV MEP)
David Carrick
david.carrick@mail.wvu.edu
(412) 327-9119 - MARYLAND
Maryland MEP
Michael Kelleher
mkelleher@mdmep.org
(443) 343-0085 - NEW YORK
AMT (part of New York MEP)
Carol Miller
cmiller@amt-mep.org
(607) 774-0022 x316
Funding for this initiative was provided through the following grants from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC):
- Manufacturing the New Energy Economy in Appalachia – ARISE Grant
- Tri-State Net Zero – POWER Grant
- ShalePOWER 2.0: Supporting Appalachian Businesses to Diversify into the Shale-Manufacturing Sectors
This initiative is targeted to the following 156 counties across five states in Appalachia:
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- Maryland – Allegheny, Garrett, and Washington
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- New York – Allegany, Broome, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie, Schuyler, Steuben, Tioga, and Tompkins
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- Pennsylvania – Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Blair, Bradford, Butler, Cambria, Cameron, Carbon, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Columbia, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Fayette, Forest, Fulton, Greene, Huntingdon, Indiana, Jefferson, Juniata, Lackawanna, Lawrence, Luzerne, Lycoming, McKean, Mercer, Mifflin, Monroe, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Pike, Potter, Schuylkill, Snyder, Somerset, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Union, Venango, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Westmoreland, Wyoming
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- Ohio – Adams, Ashtabula, Athens, Belmont, Brown, Carroll, Clermont, Columbiana, Coshocton, Gallia, Guernsey, Harrison, Highland, Hocking, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Mahoning, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Pike, Ross, Scioto, Trumbull, Tuscarawas, Vinton, Washingtons
- West Virginia
- – Barbour, Berkeley, Boone, Braxton, Brooke, Cabell, Calhoun, Clay, Doddridge, Fayette, Gilmer, Grant, Greenbrier, Hampshire, Hancock, Hardy, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson, Kanawha, Lewis, Lincoln, Logan, Marion, Marshall, Mason, McDowell, Mercer, Mineral, Mingo, Monongalia, Monroe, Morgan, Nicholas, Ohio, Pendleton, Pleasants, Pocahontas, Preston, Putnam, Raleigh, Randolph, Ritchie, Roane, Summers, Taylor, Tucker, Tyler, Upshur, Wayne, Webster, Wetzel, Wirt, Wood, Wyoming
Resources
Assessments are available to allow manufacturers to identify the best strategies to achieve their unique goals. Start with this self-assessment to get an idea of the awareness and opportunities in energy. This can lead to a site assessment or other engagement tailored to company needs.
Self-Assessment – Energy Manufacturing Economy
Assess one of manufacturing’s largest expenses – electricity. Enter the electric bill information and receive information about ways to lower costs and apply for funding for efficiency projects. Click this link to open the Bill Analyzer tools.
There are several assessments and tools available to help a company obtain information and analysis about their current energy usage. Here are some programs to look at:
Energy Supply Chain Products and Markets offers numerous resources to help companies learn about the energy industry and identify strategies and opportunities to work in the supply chain. Engagement professionals are available to share information about the regional players in energy segments. They can also offer a one-on-one look at how a company might be most successfully involved in the energy supply chain, including recommendations for next steps on that journey.
Energy efficiency strategies help manufacturing companies to proceed with efficient energy practices and practical cost reduction strategies. The first step is to identify the team of employees to support cost-reduction strategies. Second, establish a baseline understanding of current energy usage. Third is to identify opportunities to make changes. Fourth is to look at the driving forces for making a change – such as 1) save money with energy efficiency, 2) satisfy requirements by current or potential customers, 3) comply with regulatory standards, 4) be a good community partner. This will lead to establishing goals and actions for improvement and a way to measure progress. The EMA program developed the The Energy Efficient Factory Toolkit to walk companies through this process. Download it to start your journey or to enhance your current strategies.
Download The Energy Efficient Factory Toolkit
In addition to the The Energy Efficient Factory Toolkit, these resources can provide insight and resources for manufacturing companies:
The EMA program has contracted with Subcity to offer the Incentive Finder service at no cost (a $1,000 value). Eligible manufacturing companies will receive a personalized report from Subcity that identifies the grants and tax incentives that have the biggest ROI and greatest likelihood of success. Subcity can also assist the company to apply for the incentives for an additional fee.
EMA offers mini-grants of up to $10,000 to support manufacturers who engage in a technical assistance project that will assist them to: 1) engage with the energy supply chain and/or 2) implement energy cost-reduction strategies. These are reimbursement grants awarded after the project is completed to help offset some of the investment cost by the company.
Energy Manufacturing Mini-Grant Guidelines
There are additional grant and tax incentive opportunities that a company may qualify depending on various factors (location, industry, business size, ownership type, etc.) Here are some programs to look at:
Events
Webinar: How to Make Your Organization Resilient to Complex and “Wicked” Problems?
March 28, 2025 | Virtual
This unique webinar series returns to provide you with tremendous insight into becoming a sustainability change agent within your organization. Learn how to drive impactful sustainability initiatives that deliver real business results.
This webinar provides emerging leaders with practical tools and strategies to address the most challenging and complex problems their organizations face. Participants will learn how to approach these “wicked problems” by embracing flexibility, engaging with various stakeholders, and developing strategies that adapt to changing circumstances.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the nature of complex challenges and how they impact organizations
- Learn to use strategic thinking to analyze and address these challenges effectively
Webinar: Exploring Energy Procurement and How Your Business Can Profit
April 3, 2025 | Virtual
Are your energy bills increasing and you do not have time or know what to do about it? Join us for this informative webinar to learn more about the energy procurement process and the options you have as a business owner. This 30-minute webinar can help you identify potential savings and peace of mind that you are making the right decisions. Learn more about energy procurement and its importance in the region, the simplicity and time involvement for the process, market structure exploration, and strategies aimed at enhancing procurement efficiency and overcoming challenges in the future.
The presentation will be led by Philip Mortell as he walks us through the process, benefits, and how he can help your business free up much needed cash flow. Mr. Mortell is Founding Partner & Business Consultant at EKC Strategic Business Alliance. Based in Philadelphia, they help their clients save, find unrealized money, and free up cash flow for growth. Their goal is to maximize efficiency in different areas, minimize cost, and increase the bottom line so that you can focus on the process of your business.
Energy Efficiency Opportunities for Manufacturers
April 9, 2025 | Oglebay Resort, 465 Lodge Drive, Wheeling, WV 26003
Energy efficiency is a key strategy for manufacturing companies to lower their production costs. Reduced energy spending can lead to more profitability and a stronger competitive advantage. The Energy Efficiency Opportunities for Manufacturers event will share tools, resources, funding and support to small and medium businesses in West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
These opportunities that are available at no cost or reduced cost include:
- Energy Efficient Factory Toolkit
- Energy Assessment of a Manufacturing Facility
- Energy Bill Strategies
- Grant Funding from Department of Energy and other sources
Click here to view the agenda.
Sponsored by the Energy & Manufacturing in Appalachia program with funding from the Tri-State Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative and the Appalachian Regional Commission
Webinar: The Business Case for Energy Audits
April 11, 2025 | Virtual
This webinar provides emerging leaders with an in-depth view of energy audits – the first step in a key sustainability initiative around energy optimization. Participants will learn how to make the business case for these energy audits and be equipped to share this knowledge with various internal stakeholders within their organization.
Learning Objectives
- Gain an understanding of energy audits (e.g., ASHRAE audits) and the key business drivers and outcomes for completing one
- Take away learnings from an example of an energy audit in a facility that could be similar to your own organization’s facility
Webinar: Energy Audits: Why Now Is the Best Time
April 25, 2025 | Virtual
This webinar provides emerging leaders with a number of examples of energy audits and helps them understand how to implement energy audits at their organization.
Learning Objectives
- Learn what’s involved with energy audits by exploring industry examples and terminology
- Discover best practices on how to engage your colleagues and your organization as a whole to move forward with an energy audit
Videos: Unlocking Sustainable Solutions
Explore the transformative landscape of Clean Energy Manufacturing through our on-demand video series, delving into expert insights and practical knowledge to empower sustainable practices in your operations.
Get Connected
Connecting with Energy & Manufacturing
The Energy & Manufacturing in Appalachia initiative supports small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) in eligible counties to expand business, production, and jobs in energy supply chains and reduce costs through factory efficiencies.