To decarbonize industry, we must decarbonize heat

Industry is often termed ``hard to decarbonize'' because a vast, inhomogeneous array of processes comprise the sector. But developing new, decarbonized process heating technologies represents a single, broadly applicable pathway to eliminating a large portion of sectoral emissions-and approximately one-fifth of global CO2 emissions, overall. We begin this perspective with a brief review of the demand for and cost of industrial heat. Then, we highlight key challenges and R&D needs in developing zero-carbon industrial heating technologies. Technologies in four pathways are discussed: (1) zero-carbon fuels, (2) zero-carbon heat sources, (3) electrification of heat, and (4) better heat management. Finally, we identify crosscutting challenges to the development and adoption of zero-carbon industrial heat technologies, the solution to any of which would constitute a significant breakthroughon the path to industrial decarbonization.

Automated summary

The industry is a challenging sector to decarbonize due to its diverse processes, but developing zero-carbon process heating technologies can eliminate a significant portion of emissions, accounting for about one-fifth of global CO2 emissions. This article reviews industrial heat demand and costs, as well as the key challenges and R&D needs in developing zero-carbon industrial heating technologies, highlighting four pathways for technological advancements. Moreover, it identifies crosscutting challenges in the development and adoption of zero-carbon industrial heat technologies, emphasizing the need for significant breakthroughs in industrial decarbonization.