Event Summary

CO2 emissions from industrial heat production are roughly 10% of global CO2 emissions and more than the combined amount from cars and planes, yet to date there has been little research or data on low-carbon industrial heat production. Dr. Friedmann introduced that the roadmap examined hydrogen, biomass, electrification and CCUS as potential technologies to achieve industrial heat decarbonization, and evaluated the required capital, operating cost and carbon footprint of these technologies. He also explained the roadmap conducted case studies in cement, iron & steel and chemicals with the application of these technologies. Mr. Sandalow presented as necessary actions: 1) More researches on low-carbon industrial heat production and the cost reduction of these technologies are required to achieve industrial heat decarbonization; 2) Policy support is essential, particularly government procurement is important tool in building new market for low-carbon industrial heat technologies.

Mr. Sandalow, Dr. Friedmann, Dr. Nakicenovic, Dr. Furukawa and Ms. Yoshitaka discussed challenges and potential solutions to realize the recommendations of roadmap. In the discussion, it was stressed that policy support such as government procurement and subsidies is important at the initial stage of technology deployment. It was commented: 1) In capital-intensive process industries such as iron & steel and chemicals, it is impossible to obtain the prespecified performance when a new technology is applied afterwards because each equipment is designed and installed after coordinating some interrelated processes. So capital investment at the initial installation is important if new technologies are to be introduced; 2) While both knowledge of finance and understanding of technology are required when investing in new technologies, many investors lack the latter and it discourages investment. Following these comments, it was stressed that, to ensure private finance for the installation, it is important governments, industry and scientists work together to show a future vision in which relevant industry applies low-carbon industrial heat technologies.