Successful Electrification for Sustainable Development
Electrification plays a crucial role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by replacing fossil fuel-powered means of production with electric technologies and electrical equipment. By prioritizing sustainable electrification, we can make significant progress towards a greener and more sustainable future.
Process Heating Electrification
Industrial process heating is a vital step in manufacturing various products, including steel, cement, appliances, and cosmetics. However, this process often relies on the combustion of fossil fuels, contributing to approximately 30% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from manufacturing facilities. To address this issue, electrification offers an environmentally friendly alternative. By utilizing electromagnetic heating technologies, electric boilers, electric furnaces, and industrial heat pumps, industries can achieve substantial reductions in GHG emissions. For instance, a steelmaking plant in New Zealand’s switch to an electric arc furnace is projected to reduce emissions by at least 45%.
Electric Motors
Gas turbines and steam turbines, powered by fossil fuels, are commonly used to drive rotating machinery in industrial settings. However, replacing these turbines with clean energy-powered electric motors can significantly reduce emissions. This transition is evident in Europe, where over 300 compression stations now rely on electric motors instead of industrial gas turbines. By embracing electric motors, industries can contribute to the decarbonization efforts and align with the SDGs.
Electric Vehicles
Heavy use of fossil fuel-powered vehicles, such as trucks and forklifts, contributes to GHG emissions in supply chains, manufacturing facilities, and ports. Switching to electric vehicles presents a viable solution to mitigate these emissions. For example, a shipping terminal in Elizabeth, New Jersey, estimates that deploying electric terminal tractors will prevent 1,100 tonnes of GHG emissions annually per tractor. By embracing electric vehicles, industries can make significant progress towards achieving the SDGs and creating a sustainable transportation sector.
Electric Heating and Cooling Systems
Decarbonization efforts can also extend to the installation of electric heating and cooling systems, such as heat pumps, in industrial facilities. While there is less research on these initiatives compared to residential systems, they hold great potential for reducing emissions and promoting sustainability. By adopting electric heating and cooling systems, industries can contribute to a greener future and align with the SDGs.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix | Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable | Indicator 9.4.1: CO2 emissions per unit of value added |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: Reduce the adverse environmental impact of cities | Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in cities |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into primary, secondary, and tertiary curricula |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to these four SDGs.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
- Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable
- Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse environmental impact of cities
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
The article discusses the need to replace fossil fuel-powered means of production with electric technologies and electrical equipment, which aligns with these targets.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption
- Indicator 9.4.1: CO2 emissions per unit of value added
- Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in cities
- Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into primary, secondary, and tertiary curricula
The article mentions the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the switch to electric technologies as means to achieve sustainability. These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix | Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable | Indicator 9.4.1: CO2 emissions per unit of value added |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: Reduce the adverse environmental impact of cities | Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in cities |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into primary, secondary, and tertiary curricula |
Source: ibm.com
