Process decarbonization through electrification

The process industries are energy intensive, mostly fossil fuel fired, and are considered difficult to decarbonize. As more electricity is either renewable or otherwise carbon free, powering more process industry operations with electricity becomes a decarbonization strategy. Thermal energy is required for increasing temperature, phase change, and endothermic reaction. Electricity can generate heat via resistance, induction, dielectric, arc, and gas compression mechanisms, among others. Electrically generated heat can be delivered with high precision and tight control. Furthermore, electricity can power the elevation of heat from lower temperatures to higher temperatures. Electricity can also facilitate chemical reactions that are thermodynamically difficult, especially the electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen. The key will be to match the right electrical heating technology at the right temperature with the right application at the right scale.