Carbon-free gases and process electrification: discover the key findings from our research
“We wanted to lend our support to these two public reports because there is an urgent need to address these research topics. The SNBC sets ambitious targets for the industrial sector, and our aim is indeed to develop breakthrough solutions to reduce the industry’s greenhouse gas emissions. We have worked alongside the ALLICE Alliance on these issues, as this organisation is an effective channel for promoting innovation aimed at decarbonising industry, particularly through the studies it conducts. Its members – equipment manufacturers, industrial firms and energy solution providers – are the primary beneficiaries of our support schemes.” Aude-Claire Houdon, Engineer, R&D and Innovation Liaison Officer in ADEME’s
Industry Department
“As France’s electricity mix is among the lowest-carbon in Europe, the electrification of thermal processes appears to be a key driver of decarbonisation for industrial players
As France’s electricity mix is among the lowest-carbon in Europe, the electrification of thermal processes appears to be a key driver of decarbonisation for industrial players, particularly for low-temperature thermal applications or for certain specific processes for which high-efficiency technologies exist. Of the 258 TWh of energy consumption associated with thermal processes, 240 TWh is currently not electrified, meaning that 29 per cent could be electrified by 2035.
Electrification could reduce direct French industrial CO₂ emissions by 2035 (median scenario) by up to 21 per cent under the maximum estimated potential (the scenario with 29 per cent electrification outlined above).
Nevertheless, whilst electrification is an essential solution, it is not sufficient on its own to achieve decarbonisation targets. Other solutions must therefore be considered, and the integration of carbon-free gases appears to be a strategic and complementary solution for these processes.
“The theoretical maximum potential for electrification stands at 29 per cent by 2035 […] Other decarbonisation solutions therefore need to be considered, and the integration of carbon-free gases appears to be a strategic and complementary alternative where electrification is not feasible”
Against this backdrop, a sharp increase in the consumption of carbon-free gases in industry is forecast, particularly for certain very high-temperature processes, notably in the clay brick and steelmaking sectors. Feedback on the integration of carbon-free gases into industrial processes is already available. In future, the role of each of these gases and their level of market penetration will depend on developments in the production sectors, the level of support for these sectors, and the technological choices made regarding each of France’s other energy uses. For example, boilers will be better able to utilise raw gases such as biogas or syngas. Conversely, the use of carbon-free gases in furnaces is more complex, but there is greater interest in their use for firing.
The transition to a near-zero-carbon industry requires, first and foremost, efforts to improve energy efficiency and optimise operations – notably through the recovery of waste heat – supplemented by changes in fuel types and associated thermal processes, and by the development of CO₂ capture technologies.
ALLICE publishes five or six studies and two or three state-of-the-art reports on these issues every year. If you would like access to the detailed results of all our work, please do not hesitate to contact us to find out how to get involved.