Heat and mass transfer as well as chemical reactions in technical processes can be enhanced by using electric fields. This paper provides an overview of current fundamental and applied research as well as potential technical applications of electric fields in energy and process engineering. This includes electrosprays, technical combustors as well as electrochemical reforming and plasma gasification of waste or biomass. Other emerging fields are plasma technologies for treatment of water, surfaces and gases including flue gases. In particle or aerosol-laden flows, plasmas are used to promote particle nucleation and surface growth for controlled nanomaterial synthesis. Furthermore, non-invasive diagnostics based on electromagnetic fields and electric fluid properties are relevant techniques for online control and optimization of technical processes. Finally, an overview of laser-based techniques is provided for studying electro-hydrodynamic effects, temperature, and species concentrations in plasma and electric-field enhanced processes.