ABB Motion, in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation (IPA), has released a report outlining ways for heavy industries to cut their carbon emissions. The report, “From Challenge to Change,” focuses on five sectors: iron and steel, cement, chemicals, mining, and oil and gas. These industries together account for around a third of global greenhouse gas emissions while contributing over a quarter of the world’s GDP.
The report highlights practical steps businesses can take to reduce emissions, particularly in energy efficiency and electrification. According to ABB, improving the efficiency of industrial motors offers an immediate opportunity. Currently, only 23% of industrial motors are equipped with a drive. Adding a drive can cut power consumption by up to 25% in applications such as pumps, fans, and compressors.
Chris Poynter, President of ABB Motion’s System Drives Division, emphasized that reducing emissions is also a business opportunity. “ABB and Fraunhofer’s report shows that the path to net zero is more than an environmental goal—it is a strategic business opportunity,” he said. He pointed out that electrification, energy-efficient motors and drives, and alternative technologies not only cut emissions but also improve competitiveness.
The report outlines sector-specific strategies:
- Oil and Gas: Reducing leaks and electrifying processes are key steps already underway. The industry is also exploring hydrogen and other alternative fuels.
- Iron and Steel: Technologies such as direct reduced iron and electric arc furnaces provide lower-emission alternatives to traditional methods.
- Chemicals: Low-temperature applications, including heat pumps, can help improve efficiency and lower emissions.
- Mining and Cement: Electrification is a major focus, with potential to power equipment such as haul trucks, crushers, mills, and pumps.
Dr. Markus Kröll from Fraunhofer IPA said the report pinpoints high-emission processes and the technologies that can address them. “Our analysis identifies the highest emitting processes within each industrial sector and then pinpoints technologies that can mitigate them,” he said. While there is no single solution to industrial decarbonization, the report argues that companies have plenty of options to work with.
Beyond efficiency measures, the report highlights longer-term solutions such as carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) and low-carbon hydrogen. While these technologies are still evolving, they are expected to play a role in further reducing emissions.
ABB has made industrial decarbonization a focus of its sustainability strategy. The company has committed to achieving carbon neutrality in its operations by 2030 and is also working to reduce emissions across its supply chain and customer operations.
Alongside the report, ABB has been involved in various initiatives aimed at cutting industrial emissions. It has partnered with Coolbrook to develop Roto Dynamic Reactor (RDR) and Roto Dynamic Heater (RDH) technology, which could help decarbonize steel, iron, cement, and chemicals production. ABB is also working with Komatsu on electrifying mining equipment to reduce and eventually eliminate diesel use in mining operations.
The report makes the case that heavy industries have viable options to lower their carbon footprint, whether through immediate energy efficiency improvements or longer-term technology investments. Companies that act now stand to benefit from lower costs, regulatory compliance, and a competitive edge as industries shift toward more sustainable operations.
