Increasing the Voltage—Sequencing Decarbonisation with Green Power and Efficiency

Stefan M. Buettner (), Josefine Döpp, Liane Strauch, Marina Gilles, Werner König and Anna-Lena Klingler
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Stefan M. Buettner: EEP—Institute for Energy Efficiency in Production, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
Josefine Döpp: EEP—Institute for Energy Efficiency in Production, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
Liane Strauch: EEP—Institute for Energy Efficiency in Production, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
Marina Gilles: EEP—Institute for Energy Efficiency in Production, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
Werner König: REZ—Reutlingen Energy Center for Distributed Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency, Reutlingen University, 72762 Reutlingen, Germany
Anna-Lena Klingler: Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 11, 1-28

Abstract: The industrial sector’s increasing electricity demand (direct and indirect), driven by the electrification of processes and the production of green hydrogen, poses significant challenges for achieving decarbonisation goals. While switching to renewable electricity and offsetting emissions appears straightforward, the gap between current generation capacities and projected demand remains substantial. This article analyses survey data from the Energy Efficiency Index of German Industry (EEI), revealing that manufacturing companies aim to reduce 22.1% of their 2019 emissions by 2025 and 27.3% by 2030, primarily through on-site measures. However, given the slow pace of renewable capacity expansion and the increasing electrification across sectors, it becomes evident that the envisaged green electricity share of 80% by 2030 will require far more capacity than currently planned. To address this challenge, the article introduces a decarbonisability factor to better assess on-site versus off-site measures, highlighting the need for a strategic sequencing of efficiency and renewable generation. To support decision-makers, the article calls for improved data collection and periodic reassessment to account for changing geopolitical and economic conditions.

Keywords: decarbonisation; energy supply security; energy demand; energy systems; industrial decarbonisation; capacity planning; renewable electricity; sector coupling; GHG reduction targets; decarbonisability factor (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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