The heat transition describes the transition from fossil fuels to renewable heat sources. While the term is often associated with private households, heating systems and buildings in the public debate, industry faces a far greater challenge. Numerous technical processes rely on the provision of process heat – much of which is still based on coal, gas and oil. In view of climate targets, ever stricter legal requirements and rising energy costs, climate-neutral process heat is therefore becoming a decisive factor for the long-term competitiveness of companies.
The fact that the industrial heat turnaround is not only an ecological necessity but also a real economic opportunity is shown by the results of a recent short study conducted by the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences on behalf of the German Business Initiative for Energy Efficiency (DENEFF): It comes to the conclusion that a total of up to 21 billion euros could be saved annually in energy costs for the provision of process heat in Germany.
Challenges posed by the heat transition in industry
“In Germany, just as much energy is consumed for industrial heating applications as for heating buildings – and most of it is still fossil,” explains Christian Noll, Managing Director of DENEFF. One thing is clear: climate neutrality can hardly be achieved without switching to emission-free heat generation.
However, we are dealing with completely different temperature ranges in industry than in buildings or private heating systems, for example, which can also vary greatly depending on the sector. Especially in energy-intensive processes such as in the glass or steel industry, temperatures above 1000°C are not uncommon. Switching to a renewable energy supply is much more challenging here, as direct electrification of the processes is often not economical. For these processes, green hydrogen offers an alternative to replace the previous supply of natural gas in a climate-neutral way.
However, as green hydrogen will not be available in sufficient quantities and at competitive prices across the board in the foreseeable future, its use in terms of primary energy efficiency must be limited to those areas that cannot achieve CO2 neutrality by other means. For industrial processes in which the temperature range of the required process heat is in the medium range – between 100°C and 400°C – direct electrification is a suitable solution for using renewable energies directly, according to the DENEFF study. These sectors include the chemical, food and paper industries, for example.
Recent study shows savings potential for industry
The results of the DENEFF study make it clear that the heat transition offers enormous potential for industry and enables sustainable growth. However, the individual savings potential of individual companies can vary greatly – depending on the sector, temperature level and measures already implemented. In this context, 63% of the economic energy saving potential is accounted for by so-called “near-market” measures, meaning that these will pay for themselves within three years. According to the DENEFF study, the implementation of these measures alone could save up to 12.8 billion euros in energy costs per year. According to the study, the greatest potential lies in the electrification of processes and modern technologies for waste heat utilization and heat recovery.
Energy efficiency as the key to the industrial heat transition
As a means of saving energy, energy efficiency plays a decisive role in the heat transition in industry. Increasing efficiency in the use of process heat is one of the most cost-effective and quickly implementable measures for reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions. According to the DENEFF study, companies can economically save almost half of their current final energy consumption for process heat.
Thermal energy storage systems for the direct electrification of process heat
Thermal energy storage is a key element for the direct electrification of process heat and enables renewable energies to be used efficiently in industrial processes. This storage technology allows excess energy from wind or solar sources to be stored and released in the form of heat when required. Especially in industries where the required temperature is between 150°C and 350°C, direct electrification using thermal storage systems such as the ThermalBattery™ offers a practicable and environmentally friendly solution.
Heat transition as a location factor for companies
The heat transition is increasingly becoming an important location factor for companies, especially in energy-intensive industries. The ability to offer sustainable and climate-neutral production processes is increasingly in demand not only from customers but also from investors. Companies that focus on renewable energies and energy-efficient technologies at an early stage secure competitive advantages and improve their position on international markets. At the same time, the heating transition offers the opportunity to become less dependent on rising prices for fossil fuels and to reduce costs in the long term.
Comprehensive political support is essential if the heating transition is to be successfully implemented in industry. Although there are already numerous funding programs and legal frameworks in place, the expansion of these measures is crucial for further development. Political support for the heat transition in industry must therefore not only create financial incentives, but also guarantee long-term planning security. This includes higher investment subsidies, tax relief and clear regulations that make the use of fossil fuels more expensive and promote the transition to renewable energies.
