Chemical Industry

The chemical industry is one of the world’s top industrial energy users. It consumes large amounts of heat and electricity to turn raw materials into products like plastics, fertilizers, and pharmaceuticals.

Energy Use & Sources
Energy is primarily used for process heat, steam, and feedstocks. Natural gas is the dominant fuel, serving both as an energy source and a raw material for chemical reactions. Electricity is also critical for running equipment and systems.

Challenges & Emissions
High temperatures and chemical reactions result in substantial greenhouse gas emissions, including CO₂ and methane. Decarbonizing these processes requires innovation in both energy use and feedstock alternatives.

Future Pathways
Cleaner hydrogen, electrification, and carbon capture can reduce emissions. Efficiency improvements and circular economy approaches, such as recycling plastics and using bio-based feedstocks, are gaining momentum.