According to the IEA¹, total emissions must decrease by at least 50% by 2050 to meet global climate goals. Five heavy industry sectors contribute nearly a third of global greenhouse gas emissions while also representing over 25% of global GDP².

The joint report from ABB Motion and Fraunhofer IPA sheds light on both immediate and long-term solutions to decarbonize five hard-to-abate sectors: iron and steel, cement, chemicals, mining, and oil and gas. It outlines available energy efficiency and electrification strategies and explores the emerging technologies essential for reducing emissions further. Carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) and low-carbon hydrogen technologies are crucial for transitioning to a low-carbon future.

As the push for a low-carbon world intensifies, industries with difficult-to-decarbonize operations are under pressure to adopt cleaner practices. The ABB and Fraunhofer report provides insight into how businesses can effectively cut emissions across these sectors by offering practical suggestions for navigating the complex landscape of industrial decarbonization.

Currently, the industrial sector is responsible for about 29% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. The urgency for adopting sustainable practices, such as alternative fuel usage, is more critical than ever.

Energy efficiency and electrification already offer viable emission reduction paths. A major opportunity lies in electric drives and motors—presently, only 23%³ of industrial motors globally are equipped with drives. However, when paired with existing motors in systems like pumps, fans, and compressors, drives can typically reduce power consumption by up to 25%.

Chris Poynter, President of ABB Motion’s System Drives Division, emphasized: “The path to net-zero is not only an environmental goal but also a strategic business opportunity. Industrial decarbonization enhances efficiency, reduces costs, and ensures companies stay ahead in sustainable innovation. By embracing electrification, energy-efficient motors, and drives, industries can both cut emissions and boost competitiveness. Our report helps industries stay ahead—leaner and cleaner.”

Dr. Markus Kröll, Head of Business Division Circular Economy and Carbon-Neutral Production at Fraunhofer IPA, added: “Our analysis identifies the most emission-intensive processes within each sector, followed by pinpointing technologies that can mitigate them. We focus on key solutions: electrification of process heat, carbon capture, and hydrogen. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for decarbonization, there are numerous ready-to-deploy options. This report is designed to help business leaders find the best path forward.”

The report details actionable steps that business leaders can take to reduce emissions while also lowering the total cost of ownership. It highlights innovations in each sector that support decarbonization efforts.

In the oil and gas sector, efforts are underway to reduce leaks and electrify processes—key actions driving progress toward decarbonization. This leads to reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions from combustion. The sector is also exploring alternative fuels like hydrogen. Meanwhile, the iron and steel industry is adopting technologies such as direct reduced iron and electric arc furnaces, which are lower-emission alternatives to traditional methods. In the chemical industry, low-temperature applications like heat pumps offer potential for efficiency gains and emission reductions. Electrification is also a decarbonization option for the mining and cement sectors, where it’s possible to electrify equipment such as mining trucks, haul vehicles, belt conveyors, crushers, mills, and pumps.

The ABB and Fraunhofer report underscores that while the journey to industrial decarbonization is complex, practical and actionable solutions are available today. By adopting electrification, energy-efficient technologies, and alternative fuels, industries can cut emissions while improving efficiency and competitiveness. The insights provided offer a clear roadmap for businesses aiming to drive sustainable change and support a low-carbon future.

ABB is a global leader in electrification and automation, committed to a sustainable and resource-efficient future. Leveraging its engineering and digital expertise, ABB helps industries operate efficiently and sustainably, ensuring that they outperform. With over 140 years of excellence and more than 105,000 employees globally, ABB optimizes manufacturing, movement, energy, and protection. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). At the heart of the energy transition, ABB helps industries thrive—leaner and cleaner.

ABB Motion, a global leader in motors and drives, is integral to fostering a more productive and sustainable future. We push technological boundaries to offer energy-efficient, decarbonizing, and circular solutions for industries and societies. Through our digitally-enabled drives, motors, and services, we help our customers achieve better performance, safety, and reliability. With over 140 years of expertise in electric powertrains, we deliver motor-driven solutions across diverse industrial segments, with more than 23,000 employees across 100 countries continuously innovating.

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