Schellenberger Report: Hellio advocates for a pragmatic electrification of industry

Entitled "Producing in France with French energy", the report by MP Raphaël Schellenberger presents the electrification of industrial processes as a lever for sovereignty, competitiveness and reindustrialization.

The document, the result of a six-month mission, is part of the government's plan to electrify energy uses announced in April 2026. In particular, it seeks to identify and remove the obstacles encountered by manufacturers in replacing fossil fuels with largely decarbonized electricity.

Solutions already available for the diffuse industry

The report gives particular attention to the dispersed industry, composed mainly of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-sized companies. Several pieces of equipment adapted to these structures are presented as technically mature: heat pumps, electric boilers and furnaces, and mechanical steam compression systems.

The 29 recommendations aim to accelerate their implementation. Key measures proposed include:

• the adaptation of public aid and the energy savings certificates (CEE) scheme;
• support for the partial electrification of processes when their complete conversion is not possible;
• the development of third-party financing and third-party investment;
• the creation of a guarantee fund intended to secure industrial projects;
• the simplification of connections to the electricity grid.

According to publicly available data for 2024, manufacturing and construction account for 17% of gross territorial greenhouse gas emissions in France. Decarbonizing this sector is therefore a major challenge for achieving climate goals, but also for reducing companies' exposure to fossil fuels.

Hellio puts energy efficiency first

For Hellio, electrification is a key driver of industrial decarbonization, but it cannot provide a one-size-fits-all solution. The group believes that choices must take into account processes, thermal requirements, the economic viability of investments, and the specific grid connection capabilities of each site.

Hellio therefore advocates an approach that begins with reducing consumption before resorting to the most suitable low-carbon solutions. This approach can combine energy efficiency, total or partial electrification, heat recovery, and other decarbonized energy sources.

The group also believes that energy savings certificates could contribute more to financing equipment and securing investment strategies, particularly in SMEs and mid-sized companies.

"The report by MP Raphaël Schellenberger confirms a paradigm shift: the electrification of industrial processes is now recognized as a lever for competitiveness, sovereignty and decarbonization.

This ambition must, however, be based on a pragmatic approach. While mature solutions already exist for some diffuse industries in particular, an "all-electric" system is not currently deployable in the short and medium term, especially for heavy industry.

Our responsibility is to support industry players and, more broadly, the entire ecosystem, so that they can navigate this transition under economically viable conditions. Energy Savings Certificates have a crucial role to play in supporting the report's recommendations and investment strategies, by combining energy efficiency and electrification objectives. We advocate for pathways tailored to the realities of different sectors, from small-scale to large-scale industry, with appropriate timeframes, combining energy efficiency with a mix of low-carbon solutions. "Only then will the transition be effective, competitive, and sustainable," says Pierre-Marie Perrin, Director of Public Affairs and Communications for the Hellio Group.

Image illustrating the article via Depositphotos.com.