Industrial heating technologies shift toward decarbonization

Industrial facilities are increasingly adopting new technologies to decarbonize process heat, which remains a difficult sector to electrify due to high-temperature requirements.

CO2 heat pumps are emerging as a solution by using carbon dioxide (R744) as a natural refrigerant. These systems capture thermal energy from low-temperature sources and upgrade it to higher temperatures, helping to reduce energy waste and reliance on fossil fuels. The technology typically utilizes an evaporator, compressor, gas cooler, and expansion valve to transfer energy efficiently.

Alternative methods for achieving carbon-neutral process heat include specialized boiler systems. Biomass boilers utilize renewable wood or agricultural residues, while waste-heat boilers capture energy already released by industrial processes. Additionally, recovered-fuel boilers burn non-recyclable waste fractions to provide heat without net fossil carbon emissions. These technologies offer practical paths for plants to reduce Scope 1 emissions by replacing traditional fossil-fired boilers.