The industrial sector currently accounts for approximately 29 per cent of the world's total greenhouse gas emissions. The urgency for these hard-to-abate industries - namely, iron and steel, cement, chemicals, mining, and oil and gas - to adopt more sustainable practices, such as the use of alternative fuels, has never been greater.
Practical routes for emissions reduction are already available with energy efficiency and electrification playing a contributing role. Another major opportunity lies in electric drives and motors - currently, only 23 per cent of the world’s industrial motors are equipped with a drive. Yet, when paired with an existing motor in applications like pumps, fans, or compressors, a drive can typically reduce power consumption up to 25 per cent, the companies said.
In a statement, Chris Poynter, President of ABB Motion’s System Drives Division, said: "ABB and Fraunhofer’s report shows that the path to net zero is more than an environmental goal - it is a strategic business opportunity. Industrial decarbonisation drives efficiency, cuts costs, and keeps companies ahead in sustainable innovation. By adopting electrification, energy-efficient motors and drives, and alternative technologies, industries can reduce emissions while strengthening operational competitiveness. With the report’s findings, we help industries outrun - leaner and cleaner.”
