Produce low-carbon heat for industrial use

Industrial heat accounts for approximately 50% of the French industrial sector’s final energy consumption, or more than 400 TWh per year. Currently, more than 75% of this heat is produced using fossil fuels (natural gas, fuel oil, coal), making this sector the primary area for decarbonization in the national industry.

The European and national regulatory frameworks have been significantly strengthened since 2021. The “Fit for 55” package aims for a 55% reduction in net GHG emissions by 2030. The European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) are driving up the cost of fossil fuels, with the projected price of carbon reaching 100–150 €/tCO2 by 2030. The CSRD Directive (2022/2464) requires large companies to publish a climate transition plan that includes heat emissions (Scope 1 and 2). In France, the National Low-Carbon Strategy (SNBC) sets a goal of carbon neutrality by 2050, with an 81% reduction in industrial emissions by that date.

This guide offers a structured, five-step approach to identifying, quantifying, and implementing the solutions best suited to each situation.