This blog was originally published on Illuminem, and has been co-authored with Rhian-Mari Thomas. She is the CEO...
The global transition to renewable energy systems will be mineral intensive and, under the current linear economy conditions,...
Accelerating low-carbon industry by aligning technology, policy, finance, and development priorities across entire value chains
Heavy industries — such as steel, aluminum, cement, and chemicals — are essential to economic development, yet they account for roughly 30% of global emissions. Decarbonizing these sectors requires a coordinated mix of clean energy, emerging technologies, reliable infrastructure, and the phase-out of fossil fuels both as feedstock and as a source of high-temperature heat. It also depends on supportive policy and significant capital investment.
Because industrial decarbonization is closely tied to competitiveness and long-term value creation, slow action risks locking in high-emissions assets and limiting access to future low-carbon markets.
We examine heavy industry within whole-of-economy transition plans and across the full value chain to ensure decarbonization efforts align with national development goals and industrial competitiveness.
Our work assesses the financing needs for industrial transformation and develops strategies to address the supply–demand imbalance in low-carbon products, identifying how public, private, and concessional finance can support infrastructure, technology adoption, and long-term competitiveness. We also explore pathways for regional integration, enabling countries to build on their respective strengths to create hubs for accelerated decarbonization through shared infrastructure, coordinated policies, and circular economy principles.
The heavy industry sector, a significant contributor to global CO2 emissions, is at a critical juncture. Accounting for...
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Financing Climate & Sustainable Development / Report
Distinguishing between planetary, economic, and financial risks, and the six distinct policy responses to them. This paper examines a range of public and private institutions whose mandates relate to those responses in distinct ways.
Follow connections across themes to uncover deeper perspectives.
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Improving transparency and consistency in measuring and reporting greenhouse gas emissions worldwide...
Designing strategies that integrate sustainability, equity, and long-term economic resilience...
Strengthening industrial strategies through ambitious and achievable national plans for climate action and sustainable development...
Assessing what’s truly actionable for businesses within real mandates, markets, and sustainability commitments...
