COP29: Decarbonising 'Not-So' Hard-To-Abate Industries

When decarbonisation is discussed, electrification is often the first solution that comes to mind — particularly for industries traditionally reliant on fossil fuels. Whether it's the switch to electric vehicles or the integration of renewable energy into power grids, electrification has proven to be an impactful strategy in reducing emissions. Yet, while it works well in sectors like residential energy or passenger transport, applying electrification to more energy-intensive and process-specific industries remains a complex but increasingly achievable challenge.

Industries like heavy-duty trucking, shipping, aviation, iron and steel, and chemicals and petrochemicals, collectively contribute around 20% of global CO2 emissions, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). These industries, referred to as "hard-to-abate", face unique challenges, including high energy demands, weight constraints, and process-specific requirements that make