Decarbonising Heavy Industries

Decarbonising Heavy Industries: The Role of Carbon Capture and Storage

As the global community intensifies efforts to combat climate change, decarbonising heavy industries has emerged as a critical focus. Heavy industry is responsible for about 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions and despite decades of attention, progress toward decarbonisation remains slow. The sector's reliance on fossil fuels and the high heat required for production processes present significant challenges that must be addressed through innovative solutions and strategic investments.

The Urgent Need for Change

Heavy industries, including steel, cement and chemical manufacturing, collectively contribute around 20% of global CO2 emissions, necessitating immediate action. As the impacts of climate change become increasingly severe, there is a pressing need to implement technologies that can effectively reduce emissions from these sectors. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology is essential in this effort, capturing CO2 produced during industrial processes and either reusing or storing it safely underground. This technology has the potential to significantly reduce emissions, making it a cornerstone of heavy industry decarbonisation efforts.

Technological Innovations and Challenges

The path to decarbonisation is fraught with complexities. The heavy industry's processes demand high temperatures and are heavily reliant on fossil fuels, which complicates the transition to alternative energy sources. Therefore, developing low-carbon technologies, such as hydrogen-based steel production and CCS, is crucial for achieving significant emissions reductions. However, current challenges include high costs, significant energy requirements and the necessity for supportive regulatory frameworks to encourage the adoption of these technologies.

Innovative solutions, such as Honeywell's CO₂ Fractionation System, demonstrate the potential for significant emissions reductions through existing technologies. The urgency to implement these solutions is underscored by the need for immediate climate action, as delaying adoption could lead to further environmental degradation.

The Role of Investment and Collaboration

Transitioning to a low-carbon economy requires substantial investment, with estimates indicating that hundreds of billions of dollars will be needed for infrastructure and technology development. Public-private partnerships will play a vital role in advancing CCS technology and ensuring its commercial viability by 2025 to 2030. Collaboration between companies and governments is essential for making these technologies widely accessible and effective in reducing emissions.

Moreover, global cooperation is paramount for sharing technology and strategies, particularly for developing countries that may lack resources. The Deep Decarbonisation Pathways Project (DDPP) highlights that countries such as Canada, China, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Russia, the UK and the US will need to embrace CCS to meet net-zero emissions targets by 2050.

Conclusion: A Long-Term Commitment

Achieving decarbonisation in heavy industries will require a long-term commitment to innovation and adaptation. As industries work to reduce their carbon footprints, it is crucial to ensure that these efforts do not disproportionately impact workers and communities reliant on traditional practices. By focusing on developing low-carbon technologies and fostering a culture of collaboration and investment, the heavy industry can play a pivotal role in mitigating climate change and moving towards a sustainable future.