Industrial Heat Decarbonization Pathways

Industrial Heat Decarbonization Pathways refer to strategies and technologies aimed at reducing carbon emissions from heat generation processes in industries, which are significant contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions. These pathways focus on transitioning from fossil fuel-based heat sources to low-carbon alternatives to achieve climate goals. Key approaches include electrification of heat through renewable electricity, such as using electric boilers and heat pumps; fuel switching to low-carbon fuels like hydrogen, biogas, or biomass; and improving energy efficiency via advanced insulation, waste heat recovery, and process optimization. Additionally, emerging technologies like concentrated solar thermal systems and advanced nuclear reactors offer potential for high-temperature heat without direct carbon emissions. Implementing these pathways requires addressing technical, economic, and infrastructural challenges, including retrofitting existing equipment, ensuring reliable supply of clean energy, and managing costs. Policy support, investment incentives, and cross-sector collaboration are crucial to accelerate adoption. Overall, industrial heat decarbonization is essential for meeting net-zero targets and reducing the carbon footprint of energy-intensive sectors such as steel, cement, chemicals, and refining.