The pressure to conserve

LAFAYETTE — For energy companies supplying electricity to cities across the nation, small savings in fuel use during the energy production process can reap big rewards. Better fuel efficiency at the power plant means less environmental impact, fewer emissions and cost savings for both the company and the consumer. Even a fraction of a percent in fuel savings can spell measurable differences in power generation for a metropolitan-sized customer base.

Sometimes big breakthroughs in fuel efficiency come in small packages. Lafayette-based Sporian Microsystems Inc. develops pressure sensors used to increase fuel efficiency for use in turbine engines, a small-business innovation that…