Koushik Mandlem

In the United States, the industrial sector generates 23% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, one of the largest sources of emissions and one that needs to be decarbonized to combat climate change and achieve net zero by 2050. However, the industrial sector is made up of many, distinct sub-sectors. Decarbonizing them presents not one, but many challenges. Different industries have different production processes and different process and temperature requirements. Even within the same industry, individual plants might have different equipment, different energy needs, different operating profiles—all requiring tailored decarbonization solutions. Unique manufacturing processes, the high capital cost of switching to new technologies, varying levels of technology readiness, a lack of readily available low-carbon alternatives for certain high-heat processes, and other economic factors all add even more complexity to this enormous undertaking.

When it comes to decarbonizing industry, one size clearly does not fit all.
We will present case studies that explore how four different industries—food & beverage, mining, pharmaceuticals, and plastic manufacturing—are working toward net-zero emissions. By examining their unique strategies, we can gain insight into the diverse pathways available for reducing industrial carbon footprints. We will showcase how different industries are implementing tailored decarbonization strategies such as energy efficiency upgrades, electrification, power purchase agreements, and low carbon fuels to meet their unique needs. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to industrial decarbonization, there is an opportunity for businesses to adopt customized, data-driven approaches that can respond to their needs and achieve meaningful and lasting emissions reductions.