°®ÓÎÏ·Öйú¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾

Technologies for a climate-neutral chemical industry: what is missing in Europe?

The European chemical industry is at risk. Soaring energy prices, regulatory pressure and uncertainty, along with a lack of infrastructure and demand for low-carbon products, are pushing investments out of Europe, just as the industry is expected to transform at unprecedented speed.

Which technologies are needed for the European chemical industry to reduce its emissions, and what is holding back their deployment? °®ÓÎÏ·Öйú¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾ has developed an to explore the opportunities and challenges of the key technological solutions.

Given that most manufactured goods rely on chemicals, the European chemical industry plays a strategic role in Europe’s climate-neutrality ambitions – not only by transforming itself but also by enabling the transition of the many value chains it supports. Achieving the transition to climate neutrality will require the deployment of a broad range of technologies. Yet, as highlighted by the , the European industry lacks a viable business case to enable investments in these much-needed solutions, at the scale required.

This interactive infographic presents nine key technological options to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, along with the specific challenges that stand in the way of their large-scale rollout:

1. Alternative energy carriers and sources

Electrification

Electrification of the chemical industry refers to the implementation of technologies that power chemical processes with electricity instead of fuels.

Hydrogen as energy carrierâ€� 

Renewable and low-carbon hydrogen (H₂) can be used as a clean energy carrier in the chemical sector.

Steam & heat from biomass and Small Modular nuclear Reactors (SMRs)â€� 

Steam and heat are essential to provide and control thermal energy for most processes including reaction and separation operations in the chemical industry.

2. Circular carbon feedstock to close the carbon loop

Waste as feedstock 

Using carbon-rich waste, such as plastic waste, as circular carbon feedstock can produce chemicals and polymers with a lower carbon footprint.

CO₂ as feedstock

CO₂ can be used as a circular carbon feedstock for producing chemicals and polymers with a reduced carbon footprint compared to conventional production.

Bio-based feedstock 

Bio-based resources such as plant matter, agricultural residues, and bio-waste can produce chemicals and polymers with a lower carbon footprint.

3. Other solutions

Hydrogen from alternative production routes 

Hydrogen (H₂) is an essential element for the production of many chemicals. Hydrogen is both produced and consumed on chemical sites.

Process optimisationâ€� 

The deployment of novel and advanced process optimisation options is essential to increase energy and resource efficiency at process, plant and site levels.

CO₂ capture and storage

Carbon dioxide (CO�) from industrial sources can be captured, purified and transported for injection in geological reservoirs for permanent storage.

What does the Chemical Industry need now?

To move forward, the chemical industry urgently needs affordable and abundant renewable and low-carbon energy, circular feedstock, infrastructure, a supportive policy framework, and markets which value low-carbon products.

Illustration of how various technologies can contribute to different dimensions of the chemical industry’s transformation toward climate neutrality.