Potential for the integration of alternative energies in the process industry

In the current context of energy transition, industry has a major role to play. In France, it represents 20% of overall energy consumption, with a predominantly carbon-based energy mix (Fig. 1). To decarbonize French industry, the first lever is therefore to reduce this energy consumption by working on energy efficiency and process optimization. In order to pursue their decarbonization roadmap, manufacturers will have to act on their energy mix. In France, very low-carbon electricity opens up a real opportunity for the electrification of thermal processes. Since electrification cannot concern all uses, carbon-free gases will also play a crucial role in this energy transition. As such, the ALLICE Alliance has investigated these two decarbonization pathways for its members in two in-depth studies on the subject ([1] and [2]). This article highlights the main results of these two studies, each of which is the subject of public summaries [3].