Industrial Decarbonization Research Insights: Takeaways from Our Recent Webinar
The path to industrial decarbonization requires more than just technological solutions; it demands a holistic approach that considers economic viability, social equity, and environmental sustainability.
On November 8th, Policy Integrity hosted a webinar that brought together researchers and policy experts for a discussion about the complex task of decarbonizing industrial sectors like steel, cement, and chemical manufacturing. The transition away from fossil fuel use has been immensely challenging in these areas, and new research is critical for identifying the most promising strategies. The discussion revolved around not only technological advancements but also policy tools and efforts to understand and navigate the socioeconomic implications of this significant transformation
Dr. Erin Mayfield’s presentation focused on decarbonization efforts in the steel industry, underlining the importance of integrating non-cost objectives, such as equity and labor fairness, into decision-making processes. At present, she explained, there is a lack of computational decision support tools that focus on the industrial sector. Such tools would help leaders across industrial supply chains decide when and how to deploy new, sustainable technologies. Her research project is helping to fill this gap by developing a detailed analysis of the economic and environmental impacts of the transition to sustainable industrial processes. It includes a comprehensive examination of the steel production lifecycle, from raw material sourcing to manufacturing of finished products, and is focused on the development of tools (e.g., an online mapping platform) to assist policymakers and industry leaders in making informed decisions.
Dr. Rebecca Ciez from Purdue University delved into how renewable energy integration and changing climate patterns could significantly alter steel manufacturing as well as the experience for workers in that industry. Her current research draws from both social sciences and engineering. On the social science side, Ciez and her team are conducting interviews with steelworkers and using the findings to design a survey focusing on how workers in the industry are trading off between different job attributes. On the engineering side, the team is analyzing the costs of technology changes that could decarbonize the steel industry, including the use of hydrogen electrolyzers. Another thread of Dr. Ciez’s research explores the impacts of changing outdoor temperatures and humidity levels on steel production processes. Her remarks highlighted that certain industrial processes that have already electrified to some extent, like steel recycling, may provide broader lessons for decarbonization. All of these changes, she noted, will have implications for workers in terms of job security, skill requirements, and adaptation to new technologies.
Simon Mashala, representing DC MUSE, discussed the organization’s initiatives related to the electrification of chemical manufacturing processes. He highlighted the network of university researchers and government/industry partners engaged in these efforts. In total, the DC MUSE team involves 13 different universities and two national labs. The coalition plans to scale up its work over time with the eventual goals of engaging industry partners and receiving long-term government support. DC MUSE is already working on substantive research aimed at advancing technical knowledge of zero-emissions industrial processes and assessing the impact of these processes on energy systems. For example, Mashala described a recently published study on how electrified ethylene plants purchase electricity. Case studies like this one show the practical application of new manufacturing methods and demonstrate how they might be integrated into existing systems.
Dr. Avi Shultz from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization Office provided an overview of some key challenges related to industrial decarbonization and explored the government’s role in catalyzing the transition. He discussed the necessity of government support at all levels of the innovation timeline. Governments traditionally provide funding at the foundational research stage, but support is also needed at the piloting, demonstration, and deployment stages. Dr. Shultz also spoke about the necessity of developing new technologies that could help reduce emissions without compromising the manufacturing sector’s vital role in the economy. Additionally, Schultz discussed the increasingly complex interplay between technological changes in the industrial sector and broader decarbonization efforts. For example, he noted that the price signals and integration challenges of a low-carbon electric grid are going to be very different from today’s grid, so new industrial processes will need to be designed to effectively take advantage of the strengths and weaknesses of a low-carbon grid.
The speakers discussed existing research gaps related to industrial decarbonization, identifying several areas that would benefit from more inquiry. These include grid modeling, opportunities for flexible energy use in industrial activities, and the supply-chain effects of evolving industrial processes. The speakers emphasized the need for new data to support research and policy formulation in these areas.
The panelists all agreed that interdisciplinary research is critical in a process as multifaceted as decarbonization. In fact, Dr. Shultz mentioned that his department strongly encourages proposals from those running fully interdisciplinary projects in it offers funding opportunities. While discussing the importance of effective interdisciplinary research, the speakers stressed the importance of communication across disciplines despite differences in terminology and methodology. As Dr. Ciez noted, this translation requires time, and projects should be planned to account for that. Additionally, Dr. Mayfield highlighted that different disciplines use different tools. For example, considerations like values and equity can’t always be modeled in the same quantitative way as economic effects. It is nevertheless important to incorporate insights from multiple fields.
Overall, the speakers highlighted the complexities of industrial decarbonization as well as opportunities for innovative solutions. The webinar served as a call to action for collaborative research, policy innovation, and the development of sustainable industrial practices that can pave the way for a more environmentally responsible future.
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This webinar was part of a new series highlighting environmental and energy research projects funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Check our events page for future webinars in the series!
