Samsung Wins $1.2M U.S. Grant for Energy-Saving Dryers

Your electricity bill from doing laundry might be about to get a whole lot smaller, thanks to a breakthrough partnership between Samsung and two top U.S. research institutions.

The U.S. Department of Energy announced it's investing $1.2 million in Samsung Electronics to develop revolutionary dryer technology that could cut energy consumption by up to 35 percent compared to standard models. Samsung will team up with Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of South Carolina, with all three partners kicking in an additional $1.2 million to bring the total investment to $2.4 million.

The secret weapon is desiccants, materials that absorb moisture from the air. Instead of traditional vented dryers that blast humid air outside to speed drying, this new approach captures and removes moisture more efficiently. The result is the same dry clothes with far less energy waste.

Here's where it gets even better for homeowners and renters. Samsung says these next generation dryers won't need special installation or construction work. That means they'll work in apartments, condos, and homes without the ventilation requirements that currently limit where people can place their dryers.

The Ripple Effect

This isn't just about one company making better appliances. When energy efficient technology becomes easier to install and more affordable, it opens the door for millions more households to reduce their carbon footprint without major renovations or lifestyle changes.

The collaboration shows how government investment in clean technology can accelerate innovation that directly benefits everyday families. Lower energy bills mean more money stays in people's pockets. Reduced energy consumption means less strain on power grids and fewer emissions heating our planet.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory brings decades of materials science expertise, while the University of South Carolina adds academic research firepower to Samsung's manufacturing know-how. It's the kind of public-private partnership that turns ambitious climate goals into products people can actually buy and use.

The project fits into America's broader push to make homes more energy efficient and affordable to run. Clothes dryers are one of the biggest energy users in typical households, so even modest improvements can add up to significant savings across millions of homes.

Samsung expects the technology to eventually reach consumers who want to save money and energy without sacrificing the convenience of fast drying times. A win for wallets and the planet at the same time.