If your company is in the heavy-duty industry, there’s a possibility of carbon emissions. According to ClimateTrade, the transport, agriculture, and construction sectors are the most polluting. On average, 75% of industrial greenhouse gas emissions come in the form of CO2, which is linked to on-site fossil fuel consumption.

That’s why you need the right innovations to decarbonize your industrial operations. Industry leaders believe it’s the strategic reduction and removal of human-driven carbon emissions. For example, the Argonne National Library is currently analyzing decarbonization scenario models to clear a path for net-zero emissions in the American economy. 

With decarbonization, your company will achieve enhanced financial performance, an improved brand reputation, a better competitive advantage, and regulatory compliance. However, to achieve these, you’ll need the right innovations. 

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the sustainable options you can implement to reduce carbon emissions from industrial operations. 

#1. Advanced Carbon Capture

With the right carbon capture technology, your company’s operational functions can mitigate environmental impacts. Some industry leaders have created a way to use nano-engineered absorbents to capture carbon and minimize energy consumption. For example, this technology captures and separates the CO2 emissions before getting released into the environment. 

According to Atoco, carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) has emerged as a recognized technology to fight against climate change. Various industries have used this innovation to reduce CO2 emissions and capture more than 50 metric tons a year.

Let’s take the example of the oil and gas industry. They can use carbon capture for enhanced oil recovery (EOR). In this technique, the companies can inject CO2 back into the reservoirs to increase extraction efficiency. 

With this technology, you can incentivize sustainable practices to achieve a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, leading to a better economy. For example, this technology can help achieve a 14% reduction in global CO2 emissions by 2050. Hence, this is viewed as a practical way to decarbonize the industrial sector.

#2. Advanced Battery Storage Systems

According to T&D World, energy storage in lithium-ion batteries has helped improve economic viability and paved the way for cost reductions. With this, your company is sure to harness net-zero emissions and achieve decarbonization. For example, you can store electricity from renewable sources to use later for operational efficiency, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. 

The global battery storage system market is expected to reach USD 31.20 billion by 2029. It’ll exhibit a 16.3% CAGR between 2022 and 2029. Asia Pacific had a market share of 45.16%. Similarly, America is expected to have rapid growth during the forecast period. 

This statistic proves how ‘in-demand’ this battery storage industry really is. Hence, your company can surely reduce its carbon footprint by achieving optimal energy consumption and cost savings through advanced battery storage. 

#3. Circular Economy Practices

A blog post by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation states that circular economy systems can ensure materials are never wasted to foster nature’s regeneration. For instance, products can be kept in circulation in this economy. 

Your company can eventually reuse, refurbish, maintain, remanufacture, compost, and recycle them. As a result, the circular economy tackles climate change and reduces carbon emissions. It also eliminates biodiversity loss, pollution, etc. 

A study shows that this practice can reduce emissions by 40% and become an almost USD 3 billion market in the future. By adopting the circular economy, your company can decarbonize because of the following benefits:

  • Efficiency in resource utilization from finite sources
  • Reduction of energy costs due to reuse and recycling
  • Reduction in waste production
  • Innovation by developing eco-friendly materials 

#4. Green Chemistry

Imagine this: You’re synthesizing medicines through unique processes that don’t generate toxic waste. Did you know that this isn’t a dream anymore? 

According to the EPA, green chemistry focuses on the design of chemical processes and products to reduce hazardous substances. If your company deals with chemical products, then this technology can help during manufacture, disposal, and design. With this, you can decarbonize various industrial processes and reduce the impact on our environment. 

In green chemistry, you’ll be using renewable feedstocks and developing sustainable processes to optimize the reduction of carbon footprints. Examples of this include solvents, biodegradable polymers, bio-based chemicals, etc. 

Endnotes

Did you know that the decarbonization market is set to grow at a 31.24% CAGR between 2024 and 2032? Last year, this industry was valued at USD 311.71 billion. However, it’s expected to reach a whopping USD 3.54 trillion in the next eight years. 

This statistic alone should prove the immense popularity and opportunities offered. If you’re in a heavy-duty industry with a high carbon footprint, the innovations mentioned in this article will help. Examples include carbon capture technology, battery storage, etc. 

According to Deloitte, private and public organizations are on the verge of adopting new energy carriers to improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and go ‘green.’ It’s expected that the energy and resources industry will become carbon neutral by 2050. Is your company ready to embrace this change?