Industry

Industrial energy use accounts for 37% of global energy use and accounts for 19.4% of total global greenhouse gas emissions (IPCC 2007).

Overview

Industrial energy use has grown about 2% each year since 1975 according to the IPCC. About half of current industrial energy consumption can be attributed to the iron, steel, and chemical production sectors. Much of the growth in industrial energy demand has come from emerging economies. China accounts for about 80% of the growth in the last twenty-five years and is the world’s largest producer of iron, steel, ammonia, and cement, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).

Opportunities

The challenge Industry faces to reduce CO2e emissions can also be viewed as a major opportunity for reinvention that can spur innovation and ultimately lower total costs. Rising energy prices, regional emissions trading schemes, and increases in fuel price volatility are significant incentives for industry to increase energy efficiency, and thereby cut emissions. There is a major opportunity to reinvent global industrial processes and significantly improve efficiency in a range of industrial processes. 

Help us continue our research and identify opportunities around new materials, methods of construction, and design of low carbon products and services. Click on the sub-sectors to learn more, download our cement report, and join our LinkedIn group to engage with our community.