Abstract
Industries account for about 30% of total final energy consumption worldwide and about 20% of global CO2 emissions. While transitions towards renewable energy have occurred in many parts of the world in the energy sectors, the industrial sectors have been lagging behind. Decarbonising the energy-intensive industrial sectors is however important for mitigating emissions leading to climate change. This paper analyses various technological trajectories and key policies for decarbonising energy-intensive industries: steel, mining and minerals, cement, pulp and paper and refinery. Electrification, fuel switching to low carbon fuels together with technological breakthroughs such as fossil-free steel production and CCS are required to bring emissions from energy-intensive industry down to net-zero. A long-term credible carbon price, support for technological development in various parts of the innovation chain, policies for creating markets for low-carbon materials and the right condition for electrification and increased use of biofuels will be essential for a successful transition towards carbon neutrality. The study focuses on Sweden as a reference case, as it is one of the most advanced countries in the decarbonisation of industries. The paper concludes that it may be technically feasible to deep decarbonise energy-intensive industries by 2045, given financial and political support.
Highlights
IntroductionA substantial reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions must be achieved to limit the global temperature rise well below 2 ◦ C, as stipulated in the Paris Agreement climate target [1]
Decarbonising the Energy-intensive industries (EIIs) sectors is important for mitigating emissions leading to climate change
Industries account for about 30% of total final energy consumption worldwide and about 20% of global CO2 emissions
Summary
A substantial reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions must be achieved to limit the global temperature rise well below 2 ◦ C, as stipulated in the Paris Agreement climate target [1]. This reduction requires fundamental, rapid and large-scale systemic transformations to fully decarbonise the global energy system [2]. All countries have a role to play in decarbonising entire sectors towards climate neutral targets. Timing and speed of emission reduction differ according to each country’s circumstances such as their dependence on fossil fuels, ambitions in its energy transition, socio-economic, political context, and capacities to reduce GHG emissions
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