Heavy and light industrial energy users must not just tag along but be leaders of the pack when it comes to driving lane changes into decarbonization pathways. Otherwise, the long road to net zero just gets longer, writes ROD WALTON.
The global industrial sector accounted for 9 gigatons of carbon dioxide emissions in 2022, basically one-quarter of all energy-related CO2 emissions, according to the International Energy Agency. Fleet electrification, microgrids, and building energy efficiency upgrades will only get us so far unless the world’s builders, drillers, and processors find ways to shift into a higher gear.
The winding way seems daunting and distant, but it is possible with focused, intensified commitment and innovation, so says the new “Powered for change” survey report from global professional services firm Accenture released this week. The summary, building on input from 1,000 executives in 14 industries ranging from utilities to heavy industrial and beyond, provides context on how sectors such as steel, metals, mining, cement, freight, chemicals, and logistics, can pick up the lagging pace on reaching net zero by 2050, as intended by signees to the Paris Agreement in 2015.
Right now, however, most heavy industry sectors are well behind even the first-level goals aiming for achievement by 2030. This year is essentially the mid-point between the Paris signings and those first benchmark deadlines.
- Walton, is EnergyTech Managing Editor
