The Contribution of Renewable Energy Technologies in Industrial Decarbonization

The necessity to mitigate climate change requires replacing fossil fuels with carbon-free energy sources and fuels, especially in the industrial sector, which contributes significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions. This paper explores the potential of various sustainable energy technologies and fuels—solar photovoltaic systems, wind turbines, solar thermal heating and cooling, solid biomass and biogas, energy storage, and green hydrogen—to reduce the carbon footprint of industrial activities. It examines how these technologies can provide heat, cooling, and electricity to industries, thereby reducing or even eliminating their direct and indirect carbon emissions. Although most of these technologies are mature, reliable, and cost-efficient, the study highlights several challenges that hinder their widespread adoption in industry. The findings indicate that industries can overcome these barriers and successfully implement one or more of these clean energy solutions. The study is intended to support policymakers in designing effective decarbonization policies and to guide industries seeking to reduce their carbon emissions through renewable and low-carbon energy technologies.