Energy Efficiency Improvement Opportunities in the Global Industrial Sector

Abstract

The industrial sector is a major energy consumer, responsible for about 35% of global energy use. In this article we focus on past developments of energy use and greenhouse gas emissions in industries and for the biggest energy consuming sectors we give an overview of energy saving opportunities. We find that about 60% of industrial energy use is consumed in four sectors, which are chemicals, iron and steel, cement and oil refineries. Coal is the most often used energy carrier (28%), followed by oil (26%), natural gas (19%) and electricity (18%). The implementation of best available technologies can lead to a reduction of about 20%–40% of energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, depending on country and sector.