AstraZeneca, Secaro and ERM Launch Clean Heat Program to Address Industrial Emissions

Industrial heat is a major but often overlooked contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. It is estimated to account for roughly 20% of global energy consumption, underpinning essential processes such as steam generation, chemical production, drying, and refining.

Unlike electricity, which has seen rapid decarbonization through renewables, thermal energy remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels such as natural gas and coal. This reliance makes industrial heat one of the most difficult sectors to transition, particularly in high-temperature applications where alternatives are less mature or more costly.

The newly launched Clean Heat Program directly targets this gap by offering structured support to companies seeking to transition their thermal energy systems.

Program Overview and Objectives

The Clean Heat Program, developed by AstraZeneca in partnership with Secaro and ERM, is designed to help organizations identify, evaluate, and implement low-carbon heat solutions.

Its core objective is to replace fossil fuel-based heating systems with cleaner alternatives. These include electrification technologies such as electric boilers and industrial heat pumps, as well as renewable energy integration and emerging solutions like green hydrogen, where applicable.

The program provides a step-by-step framework that begins with assessing current heat demand and emissions profiles. It then moves toward identifying feasible technologies and building tailored decarbonization roadmaps for each participating site.

Focus on Supply Chain Decarbonization

A central element of the initiative is its emphasis on Scope 3 emissions, particularly those embedded within supply chains.

AstraZeneca has committed to reaching net-zero emissions across its entire value chain by 2045. Achieving this goal requires substantial emissions reductions not only within its own operations but also among its suppliers, many of which operate energy-intensive manufacturing processes.

By extending the Clean Heat Program to suppliers, the company aims to address one of the most persistent challenges in corporate climate strategies: enabling smaller or less resourced partners to adopt decarbonization technologies.

This approach reflects a broader trend among multinational corporations to engage suppliers more directly in climate action, moving beyond reporting requirements toward practical implementation support.

Roles of Secaro and ERM

Each partner brings a distinct capability to the program.

Secaro contributes technical expertise in industrial heat decarbonization. Its role includes analysing site-specific energy use, identifying suitable technologies, and supporting the deployment of solutions such as electrified heating systems or renewable heat integration.

ERM provides advisory and strategic support, helping organisations align clean heat projects with broader sustainability goals, regulatory frameworks, and carbon reporting requirements. This includes ensuring that projects contribute meaningfully to corporate net-zero targets and comply with evolving environmental standards.

Together, the partnership combines technical delivery with strategic oversight, addressing both operational and governance dimensions of decarbonization.

Technology Pathways for Clean Heat

The program promotes a portfolio of technology options rather than a single solution, reflecting the diversity of industrial processes and regional energy systems.

Electrification is expected to play a central role, particularly where renewable electricity is available. Industrial heat pumps and electric boilers can significantly reduce emissions for low and medium-temperature applications.

For higher temperature processes, additional solutions may be required. These can include green hydrogen, biomass, or hybrid systems that combine multiple energy sources. Waste heat recovery and energy efficiency improvements are also key components, helping reduce overall energy demand before introducing new technologies.

The program’s flexible approach allows companies to select the most appropriate pathway based on technical feasibility, cost, and local infrastructure.

Financing and Implementation Barriers

One of the main obstacles to deploying clean heat technologies is the high upfront capital cost. Many solutions are technically viable but require significant investment, which can be difficult to justify without clear financial returns or policy incentives.

The Clean Heat Program seeks to address this challenge by connecting participants with financing mechanisms, including sustainability-linked loans and third-party investment models. These structures can reduce the financial burden on companies while aligning funding with emissions reduction performance.

In addition, the program guides navigating regulatory incentives and carbon pricing mechanisms, which can improve the economic case for clean heat investments.

Scalability and Industry Impact

A key ambition of the initiative is scalability. Rather than focusing on isolated pilot projects, the program aims to enable deployment across multiple facilities and geographies.

This approach is critical for achieving meaningful emissions reductions at scale. By standardizing assessment methodologies and implementation frameworks, the program can help replicate successful solutions across different sites and industries.

If widely adopted, such initiatives could play a significant role in reducing industrial emissions, particularly in sectors where progress has been slower compared to power generation or transport.

Policy Context and Market Drivers

The launch of the Clean Heat Program comes amid increasing regulatory and market pressure to decarbonize industrial activities.

Governments are introducing policies such as carbon pricing, emissions standards, and renewable energy mandates that directly affect industrial operations. At the same time, investors and stakeholders are demanding more credible and detailed transition plans from companies, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors.

These trends are driving greater interest in practical solutions for industrial heat, as companies seek to reduce risk, ensure compliance, and maintain competitiveness in a low-carbon economy.

Outlook for Industrial Decarbonization

Addressing industrial heat will be essential for achieving global climate targets. While progress in renewable electricity has been significant, emissions from thermal energy remain a major gap in many decarbonization strategies.

The collaboration between AstraZeneca, Secaro, and ERM highlights the growing importance of partnerships in tackling complex sustainability challenges. By combining corporate leadership, technical expertise, and advisory support, the Clean Heat Program aims to accelerate the transition toward low-carbon industrial systems.

For industries, the initiative offers a practical pathway to reduce emissions while improving energy efficiency and resilience. As more companies adopt similar approaches, clean heat could become a central pillar of industrial decarbonization efforts worldwide.

Source: esgnews.com