How the end of carbon capture could spark a new industrial revolution – The Conversation

Report on U.S. Industrial Emissions and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

The U.S. Department of Energy’s recent decision to reclaim US$3.7 billion in grants from industrial demonstration projects presents a pivotal moment for American manufacturing. This move notably affects projects focused on carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies, which aim to reduce industrial carbon pollution by capturing emissions and injecting them underground. While CCS has been considered essential for mitigating climate change impacts from heavy industries, this policy shift may paradoxically accelerate emissions reductions in the industrial sector.

Emissions Reality Check in Heavy Industry

Heavy industry remains one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonize, accounting for approximately 22% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Despite significant progress in the power sector—where emissions have dropped 35% since 2005 due to the adoption of natural gas, solar, and wind energy—and advancements in transportation with the rise of electric vehicles, industrial emissions have largely stagnated.

• SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): Emphasizes the need for sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation.
• SDG 13 (Climate Action): Calls for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, particularly in high-emission sectors.

Global economic pressures, such as the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and similar policies under consideration in Canada, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, are compelling U.S. industries to innovate and reduce emissions to remain competitive internationally.

The Limitations of Carbon Capture and Storage

Carbon capture and storage was initially attractive because it could be integrated into existing industrial processes with minimal disruption. However, government incentives for CCS have inadvertently supported continued reliance on polluting technologies, such as gas-powered chemical production and coal-powered concrete manufacturing.

• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Highlights the importance of sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
• SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): Encourages the transition to cleaner energy sources.

The withdrawal of CCS grants removes these artificial supports, potentially opening the door for breakthrough materials innovations that could revolutionize manufacturing and reduce emissions fundamentally.

Materials Innovation: A Sustainable Development Opportunity

Innovations in materials science offer promising pathways to reduce industrial emissions while enhancing U.S. economic competitiveness. Key sectors include:

1. Cement Industry

   Cement production contributes roughly 8% of global carbon emissions. Innovations include:

   • Developing cement production methods powered by electricity instead of fossil fuels (e.g., Sublime Systems).
   • Creating concrete that sheds heat or is lighter in weight to reduce building and cooling costs.
   • Research into concrete capable of storing electrical energy, potentially replacing carbon-intensive battery manufacturing.

   Relevant SDGs: SDG 9, SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13

2. Steel and Iron Industry

   Steel and iron production accounts for about 7% of global emissions. Innovations include:

   • Hydrogen-based steelmaking that emits only water vapor.
   • Developing stronger steel microstructures that reduce material use by 50% while maintaining strength.

   Relevant SDGs: SDG 9, SDG 13

3. Chemical Manufacturing

   The chemical industry faces challenges related to persistent pollutants and high emissions. Innovations include:

   • Producing chemicals using engineered enzymes, reducing emissions by 90% compared to traditional petrochemical processes.
   • Developing bio-based chemicals that biodegrade naturally and operate at room temperature, reducing energy consumption.

   Relevant SDGs: SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 12, SDG 13

Alternative Solutions Beyond Carbon Capture

While CCS may not be the comprehensive solution once hoped for, emerging technologies for managing industrial heat offer promising alternatives. Industrial processes require high temperatures, typically generated by burning fossil fuels, which are difficult to electrify.

• Heat Batteries: Technologies that store renewable electricity as thermal energy for later use in industrial heating, improving energy efficiency and grid reliability.
• Industrial Heat Pumps: Devices that amplify waste heat to reach required temperatures, reducing fossil fuel consumption.

Companies like Rondo Energy are pioneering these technologies, which are gaining international support despite recent funding cuts in the U.S.

Relevant SDGs: SDG 7, SDG 9, SDG 13

Conclusion and Path Forward

The Department of Energy’s decision marks a critical juncture for industrial America. Continuing to support outdated, pollution-intensive technologies risks economic and environmental setbacks. Conversely, investing in materials innovation and new industrial heating technologies aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting sustainable industry, climate action, and innovation.

• Prioritizing innovation over carbon capture subsidies can lead to fundamental transformations in industrial emissions.
• Aligning industrial policy with SDGs ensures long-term competitiveness and environmental sustainability.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The article discusses innovation in industrial processes, materials breakthroughs, and new manufacturing techniques.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Focus on reducing emissions and improving sustainability in heavy industries such as cement, steel, and chemicals.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from industrial sectors and transitioning to low-carbon technologies.
4. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Discussion of renewable energy sources, energy storage technologies, and electrification of industrial heat processes.
5. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • References to chemical pollution issues such as PFAS and microplastics impacting human health and ecosystems.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 9
   • 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.
2. SDG 12
   • Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
   • Target 12.4: Environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle.
3. SDG 13
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation.
4. SDG 7
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • Target 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
5. SDG 3
   • Target 3.9: Substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 9 Indicators
   • Proportion of the population with access to infrastructure and industrial innovation (implied through industrial modernization and adoption of new technologies).
   • Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP (implied by emphasis on innovation and new materials).
2. SDG 12 Indicators
   • Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP (implied by reducing material use in steel and concrete production).
   • Number of parties to international multilateral environmental agreements on hazardous waste and chemicals (implied by addressing PFAS and microplastics).
3. SDG 13 Indicators
   • Greenhouse gas emissions per sector (explicitly mentioned: 22% of U.S. emissions from heavy industry).
   • Carbon intensity of industrial products (implied by innovations reducing emissions in steel, cement, and chemicals).
4. SDG 7 Indicators
   • Renewable energy share in total final energy consumption (implied by solar, wind, and battery storage adoption).
   • Energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and GDP (implied by energy efficiency improvements and heat battery technologies).
5. SDG 3 Indicators
   • Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution (implied by reducing chemical pollution and emissions).
   • Concentration of hazardous chemicals in human blood and ecosystems (implied by discussion of PFAS and microplastics).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: theconversation.com