The UBA study highlights technical possibilities for CO2-neutral process heat generation in energy-intensive industrial processes and analyses how different framework conditions in the context of the energy transition affect the transformation of the plant fleet in Germany.
The CO2-neutral process heat generation is a basic prerequisite for achieving Germany’s climate targets. A large proportion of greenhouse gas emissions in the industrial sector can be directly attributed to process heat. This is currently heavily dependent on fossil fuels and natural gas is the most important energy source, while renewable energies are only used sporadically. Studies published to date have focused on a few selected processes with very high energy consumption, such as primary steel production. However, the majority of furnaces and steam generators are spread across all energy-intensive industries and are located along the entire value chain. Special technical possibilities and challenges exist for these plants.
In view of this, the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI and the Department for Industrial Furnaces and Heat Engineering were commissioned by the German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt — UBA) to conduct the study “CO2-neutral process heat generation” (FKZ 3718410030, published in German language) was carried out.
In this comprehensive study, technologies for the CO2-neutral provision of process heat were examined from a technical, economic and ecological perspective. The focus is on electrification and the use of hydrogen, under the premise that these energy sources are available in sufficient quantities and are CO2-neutral. The study was carried out for 13 sectors and 34 exemplary applications in the metal and mineral industries as well as for the cross-sectional technology of steam generation.
The study looks at both the current state of the art and the future potential of the various CO2-neutral alternative technologies. The aim was to take a holistic view, taking into account technical, economic and ecological criteria. In addition, recommendations for action were derived as elements of an overarching strategy for the transformation towards CO2-neutral process heat generation.
The study and further information can be found here:
- UBA study: CO2-neutrale Prozesswärmeerzeugung | Umweltbundesamt (in German language) and the summary (in English language)
- information on the project page on the IOB website
In addition to the publication of the study, a series of events will be held to communicate the results, which you can take part in on an ongoing basis (events in German language): Veranstaltungsreihe zur UBA-Studie CO2-neutrale Prozesswärme – Innovationsforum Hybrid-Heating