Industry alliance calls for strategy to decarbonise process heat in Germany
Clean Energy Wire
Ahead of the German snap election, an alliance of industry associations has called on political parties to push for a government strategy to decarbonise heat that businesses use in their production processes.
“Although technical solutions are already available for many sectors, uncertainties – for example regarding energy prices, grid expansion and regulatory requirements – are hampering the necessary investments,” said the group, which includes the German Industry Initiative for Energy Efficiency (DENEFF), the Association of the Steel and Metal Processing Industry (WSM) and the German Renewable Energy Federation (BEE).
High temperatures are needed to process many materials used in industril products. These so far are usually generated using fossil fuels like gas and coal. Process heat makes up around two-thirds of industry energy consumption and is currently responsible for three-quarters of the sector’s CO2 emissions, said the alliance. Fossil fuels in process heat can be replaced through electrification, or with green hydrogen for very high temperatures.
The associations said they want the next government to develop a comprehensive strategy that considers all sectors, technologies and necessary temperature levels – in coordination with industry stakeholders.
Industry decarbonisation is one of the toughest nuts to crack for the energy transition. While the sector is committed to decarbonisation, concerns about the state of Germany’s economy, and industry in particular, have come to the fore as the country heads towards a snap election on 23 February. Industry association BDI this week said that the future government must reconsider the country’s strategy for becoming climate-neutral.
