Industrial transformation

We support major consumers such as the steel industry, petrochemicals, and refineries in their strategic decision-making by calculating the consequences of choices. In addition, public authorities can make informed decisions to accelerate the industrial energy transition. And to keep the energy and raw material supply clean, available, and affordable for the future.

Accelerating the industrial energy transition

The goals of the Dutch national government and the European Union are clear: a 55% reduction in carbon emissions (compared with the 1990 benchmark year) by 2030 and zero carbon emissions by 2050. That means a very steep drop in emissions over the next 8 years, while negative emissions will actually be required over the following 20 years. In addition, there are targets in the area of circularity. Although this transition affects all sectors, industry, as the largest emitter (32%), faces the biggest challenge.

Emission-reducing potential

Fortunately, large industrial consumers have many emission-reducing options to choose from for their industrial transformation, such as energy capture, storage, and conversion. There’s still considerable energy-saving potential in existing processes. But companies can also invest in completely new and more efficient processes.

Green energy carriers

Industry can also reduce its emissions by replacing fossil raw materials with organic alternatives. Another important step towards decarbonisation is the use of sustainable energy carriers, such as green electricity, green hydrogen, and ammonia.

Blue hydrogen

Where renewable sources are not sufficient, it’s also possible to make cleaner use of fossil fuels. By converting the carbon dioxide in natural gas in advance (blue hydrogen) or capturing it after combustion and storing it underground, you avoid the large emissions into the atmosphere. If this CO2 is extracted from biogenic raw materials and stored underground, you can even achieve negative emissions.

Circular raw materials

Industry is also at the beginning of the transition to circular raw materials such as waste (recyclate), bio-based raw materials, or CO2. With the help of renewable electricity, it’s even possible to use carbon dioxide as a raw material for high-quality chemical products, for reinforcing concrete, or as a transport fuel, for example.

Links of industry chain interdependent

The biggest challenge for industry is that the consequences of its choices are extremely difficult to identify. Many branches of industry are already interlinked with suppliers and customers, and these chains will also change due to the energy transition. The consequence of this interdependence is that every decision not only affects a company’s own operations, but also the chain and, ultimately, the entire energy and raw materials system. Collaboration is therefore essential for industry to be sustainable, reliable, and affordable.

Importance to society

In order to keep the various transition paths heading in the right direction and to orchestrate the industrial transition, we need an independent organisation that can connect all the links. As a non-profit organisation, we’re the right party to represent the interests of society in the energy transition. Our independent scientists provide not only the technical competence to shape the industrial transformation, but also insight into legislation and regulations, open innovation, and transition modelling.

Mission-driven research on industrial transformation

Companies want to know the best time for them to invest in sustainable technology. Public authorities have the societal task of keeping industrial production clean, reliable, and affordable. For their part, citizens are concerned about the consequences of climate change, high energy prices, and liveability.

Fortunately, the models show that the cost price of steel, plastics, or, for example, fertilisers does not increase significantly in emission-free production. But the companies and public authorities do have to make the right choices, work together, share burdens, and make appropriate plans for the transition. This is where TNO, with our mission-driven research, can be a strong, independent partner.