Decarbonizing the Global Chemicals Industry: Challenges and Opportunities

Introduction

In a significant development for sustainable industry, Europe inaugurated its first commercial e-methanol plant last month. However, the global chemicals industry, valued at $3.5 trillion, remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels and is lagging behind in meeting climate targets. This report emphasizes the critical role of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action), in guiding the transformation of this sector.

Industry Emissions and Climate Impact

1. The chemicals industry is responsible for 5–6% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Emissions from this sector are projected to double by 2050, potentially surpassing those from steel and cement industries.

Technological Innovations for Decarbonization

Emerging technologies offer promising pathways to reduce the carbon footprint of chemical production:

• Green Hydrogen: Utilized as a clean energy source and feedstock alternative.
• E-Methanol: A renewable fuel produced via electrochemical processes.
• Electric Steam Cracking: An innovative method to replace fossil fuel-based cracking processes.

Despite these advancements, scaling these technologies remains costly and slow, posing challenges to rapid decarbonization aligned with SDG 9 and SDG 13.

Corporate Commitments and Consumer Demand

• Only two of the world’s top eight chemical companies have credible carbon neutrality plans in place.
• There is growing consumer demand for sustainable products, reinforcing the need for responsible production practices consistent with SDG 12.

Sector Challenges and Societal Implications

Chemicals are integral to a wide range of products, including medical supplies, packaging, fertilizers, and fabrics. However, the sector’s reliance on fossil fuels for both energy and feedstocks results in a significant carbon footprint. Unlike other industries that can easily transition to electrification, chemical production requires complex heat and hydrogen processes, complicating decarbonization efforts.

Clean alternatives such as green hydrogen and electric cracking are promising but remain expensive. Additionally, reduced renewable energy funding in some regions, such as the United States, further hinders progress.

European producers face additional challenges, including high energy costs and stringent environmental regulations, which may lead to job losses and plant closures. Failure to transform the chemicals sector threatens to undermine global climate goals and perpetuate environmental pollution affecting air, water, and soil quality, thus impacting SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).

Expert Insight

“There’s no silver bullet for chemicals – we need a myriad of solutions to effectively reduce emissions from the sector.”
— Brianne Cangelose, Manager in Climate-Aligned Industries, Rocky Mountain Institute

Conclusion and Future Directions

Addressing the environmental impact of the chemicals industry is essential for achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals. Accelerating the adoption of innovative technologies, enhancing corporate commitments to carbon neutrality, and supporting policy frameworks that facilitate sustainable industrial transformation are critical steps forward.

Further Reading

For more information on emerging technologies in chemical manufacturing, see: New modular tech could remake chemical manufacturing using clean electricity

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article discusses the use of green hydrogen, e-methanol, and electric steam cracking as clean energy technologies for decarbonizing the chemical industry.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The article highlights the need for new technologies and innovation in the chemical sector to reduce emissions and transform production methods.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • There is mention of growing consumer demand for sustainable products and the need to reduce pollution from outdated chemical production methods.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The core issue is the chemical industry’s greenhouse gas emissions and the need to reduce them to meet climate targets.
5. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Pollution from chemical production affects air, water, and soil quality, impacting public health.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • Target 7.a: Enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.4: Achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle.
   • Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
5. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: Reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. Greenhouse Gas Emissions from the Chemical Industry
   • Percentage of global greenhouse gas emissions attributed to the chemical sector (currently 5–6%).
   • Projected emissions doubling by 2050 if no action is taken.
2. Adoption of Clean Technologies
   • Number or share of chemical companies with credible carbon neutrality plans (only two of the top eight currently).
   • Scale and cost of implementing green hydrogen, e-methanol, and electric steam cracking technologies.
3. Pollution Levels
   • Air, water, and soil pollution from chemical production processes.
4. Energy Costs and Regulatory Compliance
   • Energy cost trends and impact on chemical producers, especially in Europe.
   • Compliance with green regulations and resulting economic impacts such as job losses or plant closures.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: dailyclimate.org