The industrial sector accounts for ~23% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, driven largely by energy-intensive processes in steel, cement, and chemicals. As climate pressure mounts, decarbonizing this segment is now a national priority. Electrification of low- and medium-temperature heat can deliver 25–40% energy efficiency gains, while hydrogen-based alternatives are being piloted for high-temperature operations, albeit with 20–35% higher costs compared to fossil fuels.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s $6.3 billion Industrial Demonstrations Program is funding CCS and clean heat tech pilots, aiming to cut sectoral emissions by 35% by 2035. Early CCS projects in Texas and Louisiana show capture costs falling to $58–$67/ton, down from ~$100/ton five years ago. However, 70% of industrial energy use still relies on natural gas, and less than 15% of U.S. plants have begun transition planning.
Momentum is building, but scale depends on aligning grid capacity, carbon pricing, and regulatory certainty.
5 Key Takeaways:
Download the full report for cost benchmarks, policy tailwinds, and the emerging tech stack driving industrial decarbonization in America.