Charting the Course: Navigating Decarbonisation Pathways in Greece, Germany, The Netherlands, and Spain’s Industrial Sectors

Alessandro A. Carmona-Martínez, Anatoli Rontogianni, Myrto Zeneli, Panagiotis Grammelis, Olgu Birgi, Rainer Janssen (), Benedetta Di Costanzo, Martijn Vis, Bas Davidis, Patrick Reumerman, Asier Rueda and Clara Jarauta-Córdoba
Additional contact information
Alessandro A. Carmona-Martínez: CIRCE—Technology Center, Parque Empresarial Dinamiza, Ave. Ranillas 3D, 1st Floor, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
Anatoli Rontogianni: CERTH—Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Chemical Process and Energy Resources Institute, Egialias 52, 15125 Marousi, Greece
Myrto Zeneli: CERTH—Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Chemical Process and Energy Resources Institute, Egialias 52, 15125 Marousi, Greece
Panagiotis Grammelis: CERTH—Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Chemical Process and Energy Resources Institute, Egialias 52, 15125 Marousi, Greece
Olgu Birgi: WIP Renewable Energies, Sylvensteinstraße 2, 81369 Munich, Germany
Rainer Janssen: WIP Renewable Energies, Sylvensteinstraße 2, 81369 Munich, Germany
Benedetta Di Costanzo: WIP Renewable Energies, Sylvensteinstraße 2, 81369 Munich, Germany
Martijn Vis: BTG—Biomass Technology Group BV, Josink Esweg 34, 7545 PN Enschede, The Netherlands
Bas Davidis: BTG—Biomass Technology Group BV, Josink Esweg 34, 7545 PN Enschede, The Netherlands
Patrick Reumerman: BTG—Biomass Technology Group BV, Josink Esweg 34, 7545 PN Enschede, The Netherlands
Asier Rueda: CIRCE—Technology Center, Parque Empresarial Dinamiza, Ave. Ranillas 3D, 1st Floor, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
Clara Jarauta-Córdoba: CIRCE—Technology Center, Parque Empresarial Dinamiza, Ave. Ranillas 3D, 1st Floor, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 14, 1-26

Abstract: In the quest for a sustainable future, energy-intensive industries (EIIs) stand at the forefront of Europe’s decarbonisation mission. Despite their significant emissions footprint, the path to comprehensive decarbonisation remains elusive at EU and national levels. This study scrutinises key sectors such as non-ferrous metals, steel, cement, lime, chemicals, fertilisers, ceramics, and glass. It maps out their current environmental impact and potential for mitigation through innovative strategies. The analysis spans across Spain, Greece, Germany, and the Netherlands, highlighting sector-specific ecosystems and the technological breakthroughs shaping them. It addresses the urgency for the industry-wide adoption of electrification, the utilisation of green hydrogen, biomass, bio-based or synthetic fuels, and the deployment of carbon capture utilisation and storage to ensure a smooth transition. Investment decisions in EIIs will depend on predictable economic and regulatory landscapes. This analysis discusses the risks associated with continued investment in high-emission technologies, which may lead to premature decommissioning and significant economic repercussions. It presents a dichotomy: invest in climate-neutral technologies now or face the closure and offshoring of operations later, with consequences for employment. This open discussion concludes that while the technology for near-complete climate neutrality in EIIs exists and is rapidly advancing, the higher costs compared to conventional methods pose a significant barrier. Without the ability to pass these costs to consumers, the adoption of such technologies is stifled. Therefore, it calls for decisive political commitment to support the industry’s transition, ensuring a greener, more resilient future for Europe’s industrial backbone.

Keywords: energy-intensive industries; decarbonisation technologies; sector-specific analysis; economic and regulatory frameworks (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
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