Industrial Decarbonization

Industrial decarbonization refers to the process of reducing or eliminating carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with industrial activities. This is a critical component in the broader effort to mitigate climate change by decreasing the overall greenhouse gas emissions.

Industries such as manufacturing, energy production, and, chemical processing are major contributors to carbon emissions, making decarbonization essential for achieving sustainability goals.

USRIA’s Industrial Decarbonization activities focus on the following subtopics:

  • Improving the energy efficiency of industrial processes is a fundamental step in decarbonization. This involves implementing technologies and practices that reduce the amount of energy required to produce goods or services.

  • Shifting from fossil fuel-based energy sources to renewable energy, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, is crucial for reducing the carbon footprint of industrial operations. This includes integrating renewable energy technologies into manufacturing and production processes.

  • Hydrogen, produced using renewable energy sources or incorporating CCS, is gaining attention as a clean fuel for industrial processes. It can be used as a feedstock for chemical production or as a clean energy carrier in sectors that are challenging to electrify directly.

  • Implementing circular economy principles involves designing products and processes to minimize waste and promote recycling. This can reduce the environmental impact of industrial activities and contribute to overall sustainability.

  • CCS involves capturing CO2 emissions from industrial processes and power plants before they are released into the atmosphere and then transporting and storing the captured CO2 underground. This technology is a key strategy for mitigating emissions from industries that are difficult to decarbonize completely.

Industrial decarbonization is a complex and multifaceted challenge that requires collaboration between governments, industries, and other stakeholders to develop and implement effective solutions.

USRIA works with stakeholders across all of these categories to pursue national and regional climate goals, and to advance the U.S. industrial sector toward a more sustainable future.