CO₂-neutral process heat using electrification and hydrogen: Technologies, barriers and required action

In 2022, process heat was responsible for about two-thirds of industrial greenhouse gas emissions. Any transformation toward a climate-friendly industry also requires a successful heat transition by converting process heat to CO2-neutral energy sources. At present, this is only taking place in isolated cases and is being slowed down or prevented by a range of economic, regulatory and technical obstacles. This policy brief provides a comprehensive overview of the technology potential of hydrogen and electricity for supplying process heat and indicates the main obstacles involved as well as the action required to design suitable policies.