Heavy Industry's Path to Reduced Energy Usage by 2050

The Energy Transitions Commission (ETC) has announced a potential for heavy industry to expand its global output while using up to 45% less energy by 2050. Key sectors such as aluminium, aviation, cement, plastics, chemicals, shipping, and steel, which are responsible for about a quarter of global energy demand, can achieve 25-45% energy reduction through efficiency and recycling measures.

The report highlights that improving energy productivity—generating more economic value per unit of energy—can help reduce reliance on expensive fossil fuels. These measures can also lower the costs and complexity associated with decarbonising industries while enhancing competitiveness.

Three strategies to reduce energy demand are identified: technical efficiency, service efficiency, and material efficiency. Transitioning to clean energy solutions like hydrogen and carbon capture will further support these reductions, although they require expanded clean energy infrastructure.