Study 43 – Electrification of high-temperature furnaces

Electric furnaces are a key driver of decarbonisation in industry, with technological maturity continuing to advance. They offer significant advantages in terms of reducing CO₂ and pollutant emissions, energy efficiency, operational flexibility and maintenance.

However, the roll-out of high-temperature electric furnaces remains hampered by a number of major obstacles: high capital costs, the need to adapt industrial processes, and the lack of a stable economic framework to underpin long-term projects.

The study aims to identify solutions for the electrification of high-temperature furnaces and to analyse the conditions for their industrial deployment.

It covers an overview of fossil-fuel-based technologies and their electric alternatives across several key sectors (steel, metallurgy, cement, glass and ceramics), an analysis of the European and global markets, and the identification of drivers for development, particularly the challenges associated with connecting to the electricity grid.

The success of the roll-out depends on the coordinated involvement of all stakeholders in the ecosystem: public authorities, industry, trade associations, furnace manufacturers, engineering consultancies and energy suppliers, with targeted support for pioneering projects.

Three main technologies are analysed — arc, resistance and induction furnaces — the maturity of which varies depending on their application, but which offer significant potential for decarbonisation. Technological advances and the standardisation of solutions are essential to reduce costs, safeguard investments and help achieve the climate targets set out in the SNBC.