Decarbonization in Action: Industry Insights & Innovations
As industries across the globe intensify their efforts to combat climate change, decarbonization has emerged as a key priority. In this edition of our newsletter, we spotlight the latest advancements, strategies, and success stories from leading companies driving the transition toward a low-carbon future. From groundbreaking innovations to collaborative initiatives, these stories highlight the collective determination to reduce carbon footprints and create sustainable value across industries.
Industrial decarbonisation is pivotal to achieving net-zero emission targets. In 2022, manufacturing industries accounted for as much as 40% of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, equivalent to around 16 gigatonnes (Gt) annually. Effective decarbonisation pathways require swift and bold action from both industry stakeholders and governments worldwide.
Dive in to discover how businesses are transforming challenges into opportunities in the journey toward a greener tomorrow.
Volvo CE and Heidelberg Materials advance partnership to decarbonize construction
Volvo CE and Heidelberg Materials Northern Europe have advanced their collaboration to decarbonize operations, following a 2023 MoU. A joint roadmap now guides efforts to achieve Heidelberg's zero-emission goals, focusing on electric and digital solutions for loading and transport activities. Comprehensive studies of Heidelberg’s operations in Norway and Sweden assessed factors like fuel consumption, material movement, and operator behaviour. Insights from these studies informed recommendations for emission reductions while maintaining productivity.
The collaboration integrates advanced technologies, including electric machines like the L120H Electric Conversion wheel loaders, advisory services, and digital tools such as Site Optimization and Connected Map. Financial solutions and innovative business models facilitate the adoption of zero-emission technologies. Local dealers Volvo Maskin and Swecon have played key roles by equipping machines, providing operator training, and offering ongoing support.
Heidelberg leads climate action in the cement industry, with major carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects planned in Norway (2025) and Sweden (2030). Volvo CE aims for net zero emissions across its value chain by 2040. This partnership highlights the importance of collaboration, transparency, and flexibility in pioneering decarbonization while setting a blueprint for the industry's sustainable transformation.
SLB Capturi builds world’s first industrial-scale carbon capture plant
SLB Capturi has reached a significant milestone of mechanical completion of the carbon capture plant at Heidelberg Materials’ cement facility in Brevik, Norway.
With the full-scale carbon capture plant now complete, including the carbon capture system, compression system, heat integration system, intermediate storage, and loadout facilities, the plant is now ready for testing and commissioning. When operational, this world-first commercial-scale carbon capture plant at a cement facility will enable production of net zero cement, without compromising on the product strength or quality.
Due to the inherent emissions of cement production, the sector is dependent on carbon capture and storage to reach net zero. The carbon capture plant is designed to capture up to 400,000?metric tons of CO2?annually from the cement facility. Strong execution support from Aker Solutions and the local industry has been instrumental in completing the construction of this project.
The Brevik CCS plant is part of The Longship CCS project, Europe’s first complete value chain for the capture, transport, and storage of industrial CO2?emissions. The Brevik plant will now move into commissioning phase, with operations starting during 2025.
WEG to showcase sustainable solutions for renewable energy at Hyvolution
WEG will attend Hyvolution 2025?an event dedicated to the hydrogen and energy sectors, on January 28–30, 2025?in Paris.
At the forefront of WEG’s showcase will be the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), a pivotal technology that enables efficient renewable energy management. By storing clean energy and providing grid stability, the BESS mitigates the intermittency of renewable power sources, enhancing energy security and supporting a reliable transition to sustainable power generation.WEG will also highlight its Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) solutions, offering industries a dependable way to reduce emissions. By capturing CO? from industrial processes and storing it safely, this technology is essential for industries striving to achieve net-zero goals.
Complementing these core solutions, WEG will present its advancements in ammonia and hydrogen production technologies. These innovations are crucial for reducing emissions across industrial applications. Key components, such as high-efficiency rectifiers and electrolysers, enable cost-effective and sustainable production of hydrogen and ammonia, ensuring the scalability of green technologies for diverse applications.
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GE Vernova, SMS group to support energy transformation at SSAB’s Oxel?sund steel plant
GE Vernova announced it has secured an order from SMS group to supply a modular multilevel converter (MMC)-based direct feed system for SSAB’s 280?MVA electric arc furnace (EAF). The EAF will equip SSAB’s new melt shop in Oxel?sund, Sweden.
This contract, which was booked in June 2024, supports SSAB’s stated commitment to delivering fossil-free steel by 2030. The EAF, supported by GE Vernova’s Power Conversion business, is designed to offer enhanced efficiency, a longer lifecycle, and reduced maintenance costs. The advanced technology is expected to help SSAB transition its steel mill to more sustainable operations.
Blast furnaces, which rely on iron ore and coke as raw materials, emit about 2.32?metric tons of CO2?per metric ton of steel produced. In contrast, the EAF can use up to 100% scrap steel as raw material, reducing emissions to 0.67?metric tons of CO2?per metric ton of steel. This change can represent a significant reduction in carbon emissions.
Veolia, Enagás & Barcelona City Council inaugurate world's first urban cold recovery network
Veolia, Enagás, and Barcelona City Council (BSM and Tersa) inaugurated a ground-breaking residual cold recovery solution installed at the Enagás LNG terminal in the Port of Barcelona, Europe's 10th largest port. This technological innovation is now operational, generating 131?GWh of sustainable, low-carbon, local and affordable energy per year.
This innovation will avoid more than 32,000?tonnes of CO2?emissions every year, confirming the commitment of Veolia, Enagás and Barcelona City Council to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transforming the city in an environmentally friendly way.
In the traditional regasification process, liquefied natural gas (LNG) gets the terminal by ship in a liquid state at -160°C, and uses seawater to heat and transform the LNG into natural gas at ambient temperature. Thanks to this new regasification and transport solution based on innovation by Enagás and Veolia respectively, this residual cold is brought down at a temperature of -20oC, where it can be recovered and recycled to supply the South Barcelona and part of L'Hospitalet area with low-carbon energy.
This recovered energy is re-injected into the largest district cooling network in Southern Europe and directly benefits several major infrastructures located in that area, including the Fira de Barcelona, Generalitat de Catalunya offices, industrial and tertiary sites and public infrastructures.
Conclusion
The path to decarbonization is both challenging and inspiring, requiring bold actions and collaborative efforts. These stories remind us that progress is possible when industries embrace innovation and commitment to sustainability. As we continue tracking the evolution of these transformative efforts, we encourage you to join the conversation and share your thoughts on how businesses can accelerate their impact. Together, we can shape a future where economic growth aligns with environmental responsibility.
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