ADENE′s contribution to Industry transformative and demanding challenge towards carbon neutrality

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ADENE (the Portuguese Energy Agency) recently launched the "Industry Roadmap – From Theory to Efficiency", an ambitious project aimed at promoting energy efficiency in businesses. This initiative contributes to a more sustainable, intelligent, and ultimately, a more efficient industry.

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The Commission's pursuit of climate-neutral competitiveness is a vital and ambitious goal, necessitating substantial transformations across various economic sectors. A significant emphasis is placed on the industry, where over 50,000 industrial installations contribute to 20% of pollutant emissions and 40% of greenhouse gas emissions.

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The challenge lies in reducing industry emissions while maintaining competitiveness and strategically positioning it to benefit from the global market for low-emission technologies and services. The transformation of these sectors will also play a vital role in mitigating environmental impacts.

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In the industrial sector, energy-intensive industries play a crucial role, accounting for over half of the EU's energy consumption. These industries are intricately connected within strategic value chains, producing goods and materials that contribute to emission reduction in sectors such as transportation, construction, and power generation. Energy-intensive industries acknowledge the significance of the Paris Agreement, sharing a collective ambition and recognizing the substantial transformation challenge ahead, along with the opportunities it presents.

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The lengthy investment cycles of these industries demand swift action to meet the ambitious 2050 climate targets. Urgency is crucial to ensure the prompt implementation of necessary technological and operational changes. Striking a balance between emission reduction and maintaining global competitiveness is imperative as these industries transform, essential for sustaining economic growth while contributing to global climate change efforts.

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Furthermore, the commitment of energy-intensive industries to the Paris Agreement underscores a collective responsibility to address environmental challenges. The acknowledgment of the transformation challenge reflects a readiness to embrace innovative solutions, adopt sustainable practices, and invest in cleaner technologies. Leveraging the potential of these industries not only supports the EU's climate goals but also positions them as leaders in the global market for low-emission technologies and services.

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In Portugal, the increased energy efficiency in the national manufacturing industry demands a proactive attitude from industrial stakeholders to effectively adapt their equipment and processes to new technologies and currently available strategies, aligning with observations in other countries.

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In this context of transformative and demanding challenge towards carbon neutrality, ADENE (the Portuguese Energy Agency) recently launched the "Industry Roadmap – From Theory to Efficiency", an ambitious project aimed at promoting energy efficiency in businesses. This initiative contributes to a more sustainable, intelligent, and ultimately, a more efficient industry.

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Dialogues and closeness have characterized ADENE's activities in recent years. Therefore, throughout this year, ADENE will be closer to the industry by (1) organizing sector-specific conferences in all regions of the country, (2) raising awareness among decision-makers and technicians about the importance of energy efficiency, (3) sharing knowledge, (4) encouraging active participation, and (5) strengthening cooperation. The Roadmap sessions will cover topics such as legislation, key indicators, objectives, and actions, as well as showcase successful cases in the industry. Additionally, ongoing projects and opportunities identification for industrial companies will be highlighted.

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ADENE's objective is to promote the implementation of a national survey that will allow an understanding of the specific needs of industrial companies, enabling the customization of solutions to efficiently address sector challenges. The survey will also advise the government in designing future policies and incentives for energy efficiency in the industry.

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In conclusion, the Commission's vision for climate-neutral competitiveness recognizes the central role of energy-intensive industries in the transition. Striking the right balance between emission reduction and global competitiveness, coupled with swift actions and investments in transformative technologies, along with increased information, literacy, and collaboration, will be crucial in realizing the ambitious 2050 targets and ensuring a sustainable future for the industry and the broader economy. This approach is also vital for Portugal, where the industry plays a significant role, representing 20% of primary energy consumption.