The four key pillars to accelerate industrial emissions reductions: Energy Efficiency, Industrial Electrification, Low-Carbon Fuels, Feedstocks, and Energy Sources (LCFFES), and Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS)
Manufacturing Plants Decarbonization Roadmap
(EWMdr.1)
1
Energy Efficiency
Enhancing energy efficiency stands as a fundamental and overarching decarbonization strategy, proving to be the most economical avenue for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the short run. This initiative significantly influences the operational costs of manufacturing businesses while simultaneously impacting market competition, ultimately leading to a reduction in the overall cost of end products. Decarbonization endeavors encompass a spectrum of tactics, such as implementing strategic energy management approaches to optimize industrial processes at the system level, managing and optimizing thermal heat derived from manufacturing processes, boilers, and combined heat and power (CHP) sources, and leveraging smart manufacturing coupled with advanced data analytics to enhance energy productivity in manufacturing operations. These measures collectively contribute to a more energy-efficient manufacturing landscape, yielding cost benefits and bolstering competitiveness in the market.
2
Industrial Electrification
Harnessing progress in low-carbon electricity, both from the grid and onsite renewable generation sources, emerges as a pivotal factor in the pursuit of decarbonization. This strategic approach significantly influences the operational costs of manufacturing businesses and plays a crucial role in shaping market competition. Decarbonization endeavors encompass several key strategies, including the electrification of process heat through methods like induction, radiative heating, or advanced heat pumps. Additionally, the electrification of high-temperature range processes, particularly those prevalent in iron, steel, and cement-making, serves as a critical facet of these efforts. Another integral measure involves replacing thermally-driven processes with electrochemical alternatives. Collectively, these initiatives propel the adoption of low-carbon electricity, fostering a more sustainable and cost-effective manufacturing landscape while simultaneously enhancing competitiveness in the market.
3
Low-Carbon Fuels, Feedstocks, and Energy Sources (LCFFES)
The substitution of low- and no-carbon fuels and feedstocks stands as a pivotal strategy in mitigating combustion-associated emissions within industrial processes, thus contributing significantly to overall decarbonization efforts. This strategic shift influences the operational costs of manufacturing businesses and a crucial reduction in the cost. Decarbonization initiatives involve various measures, such as:
- The development of fuel-flexible processes that allow for versatile fuel utilization.
- Integration of hydrogen fuels and feedstocks into industrial applications serves as a key aspect of these efforts, promoting cleaner alternatives.
- Utilization of biofuels and biofeedstocks further contributes to the reduction of carbon emissions associated with industrial activities.
Together, these initiatives foster the adoption of low- and no-carbon alternatives, thereby creating a more sustainable and cost-efficient manufacturing landscape while simultaneously enhancing competitiveness in the market.
4
Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS)
Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) represents a multifaceted approach aimed at addressing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by capturing them from point sources. This captured CO2 can then be either repurposed to create value-added products or stored over the long term to prevent its release into the atmosphere. The impact of CCUS on operational costs within the manufacturing sector is noteworthy.
- Key decarbonization strategies under CCUS include post-combustion chemical absorption of CO2, which enhances the removal of carbon emissions.
- Additionally, there is a focus on developing and optimizing advanced CO2 capture materials, a move designed to improve efficiency and lower the overall cost associated with capture processes.
- Furthermore, efforts are directed towards developing innovative processes that leverage captured CO2 to manufacture new materials, showcasing the versatility and potential economic benefits of this approach in the broader context of decarbonization initiatives.