Combustion as an opportunity for the decarbonization of industry

The recent conflict in Ukraine has only heightened the need for action, exposing vulnerability to gas imports. In this regard, electrification is positioned as a promising option, and by relying on bold innovation, it is now possible to generate a new generation of industrial flames based on hydrogen, created from water and 'electricity. A flexible solution, adaptable to existing infrastructure, which reduces dependence on fossil fuels while preserving the integrity of industrial processes.

Industry plays a major role in our carbon footprint, contributing 18% of national greenhouse gas emissions. This preponderant share finds its source mainly in the combustion of fossil fuels, necessary to generate the heat essential for industrial processes. A study by the Industrial Alliance for Competitiveness and Energy Efficiency (Allice Alliance) published in 2022 highlights that non-electric thermal uses in the industrial sector total 240 TWh of final annual consumption, or 64% of industrial energy consumption. To put it into perspective, these 240 TWh are equivalent to half of the annual production of the French nuclear fleet. This observation is striking: the issue is clearly posed.

Fortunately, certain countries, like France, have set the objective of drastically reducing the use of these energies in order to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

The latest developments in French regulations demonstrate a desire to move more quickly on these subjects. While the energy-climate law adopted in 2019 grants manufacturers a transition time to begin their decarbonization, the new Green Industry Law, just adopted by the National Assembly, could accelerate this process by simplifying the procedures and injecting more funding. No less than 7,9 billion euros in aid is planned to support the deployment of decarbonization solutions in the industrial ecosystem.

Beyond ambitious climate commitments and growing regulatory pressure, decarbonization also arises from a profound societal requirement that affects all sectors. Customers and consumers are now demanding more sustainable models and eco-designed products, threatening the reputation, sustainability and goodwill of companies that do not act. The issue is clear: loss of market share.

Reducing the industrial carbon footprint, once perceived as a constraint, now appears to be a real opportunity, and in the short term a necessity. A chance to break away from dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate the impact of fluctuations in energy costs, while positioning itself as a key player in change.

Decarbonize quickly without impacting industrial processes

This paradigm shift acts as a catalyst, prompting businesses to act today to avoid future constraints, whether societal or geopolitical. This observation is all the more crucial as the industry is written and written over time. Industrial investments are long-term decisions. Neglecting underlying trends means finding yourself trapped and quickly overwhelmed.

This highlights the need for manufacturers to diversify their energy sources and avoid relying on a single resource. Cost increases and disruptions to gas and electricity supplies are stark reminders of this reality.

In this global context, industrial decision-makers must act. But how can we make this change without causing major disruption? How can we act quickly by limiting impacts and quickly obtaining results?

The “all-electric” approach does not always apply ideally. Currently, 70% of thermal processes are not easily electrifiable. Even when such a transition is possible, it entails significant costs and constraints, requiring a profound modification of processes and infrastructures even though a guarantee of complete electricity availability is not always guaranteed.

So, how can we combine the flexibility of gas with the virtue of electricity? Hydrogen is a possible solution. This innovative, reliable, sustainable and immediately available alternative allows companies to adapt without disrupting the very core of their activities. Produced electrically, this carbon-free gas can even be hybridized, that is to say “mixed” with other gases, thus making it possible to manage its transition smoothly.

Hydrogen for environmentally friendly combustion

Its application in industry has already proven its viability and relevance. By using hydrogen generated by the electrolysis of water supplied with carbon-free electricity, we can create a clean flame to power industrial burners, and thus provide a zero-carbon heat source.

Hydrogen implementation easily fits into existing industrial infrastructure, while its on-site production eliminates storage requirements and provides optimal energy efficiency. Since hydrogen is consumed on site, it does not require any additional treatment, such as cooling or compression. Manufacturers can thus considerably reduce their carbon footprint while adhering to the environmental and social objectives they have set for themselves.

Using hydrogen in combustion processes is emerging as a realistic, pragmatic and efficient path for many industries. However, beyond this innovative solution, it is crucial to remember something fundamental: combustion itself is not the real obstacle to decarbonization, but rather the underlying energy sources. It is by orchestrating this transition towards cleaner and more sustainable sources that we can gradually reduce the share of fossil fuels in the industrial landscape. Thus, by reshaping the way we think about combustion, we are unlocking the potential for a sustainable and beneficial transformation for all thermal uses which still emit more than two thirds of the world's CO2 today.

Tribune by Nicolas Jerez, CEO of Bulane (LinkedIn).