The Ways Revolutionary Tech Is Driving a Carbon-Free Industry – Ep 103

In this episode, we talk with Jeffrey Rissman, senior director of the Industry Program at Energy Innovation Policy and Technology LLC, about using advanced tech to cut industry emissions, balancing climate action with industry changes, and the journey to a carbon-free industry. ***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.*** Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Jeffrey: Could you briefly discuss some of the advanced technologies for reducing industry emissions that are featured in your book? How does your book, "Zero-Carbon Industry," deal with the complexity of manufacturing regulations while keeping firms competitive? How do you think countries can balance the urgency of climate action with the practical challenges of institutional transformation? What does the intersection of job creation and a zero-carbon industrial economy look like? What are some common misunderstandings people have about transitioning to a carbon-neutral industry? Which do you think is more crucial for achieving a zero-carbon industry: technological innovation or policy reform? How can engineers address concerns about the initial costs of transitioning to environmentally friendly industrial practices? What do you anticipate as the next significant advancement in industrial decarbonization? What final advice would you give to geotechnical firms just starting their journey toward zero emissions? Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About the Ways Revolutionary Tech Is Driving a Carbon-Free Industry: The book, "Zero-Carbon Industry," dives into three sections: tackling big polluters like iron and steel, cement, and chemicals with tech fixes. It also covers wider solutions like energy efficiency and carbon capture, plus policy suggestions. Policy is essential for transitioning to clean energy, with tailored approaches like financial incentives for early-stage projects, green procurement driving technological deployment, and scaling up, facilitating a faster shift to sustainability. Climate action is urgent because greenhouse gas emissions are causing major damage and must be reduced. The industry sector is a major emitter, and new policies in Europe and the U.S. are driving the shift to cleaner production practices. Achieving zero-carbon industry requires investment in new technologies, production processes, and workers. Governments that invest in these areas can gain significant economic returns through job growth and technological leadership, securing future prosperity. Policymakers can promote clean production without being engineering experts by using effective, technology-neutral policies. Investing in clean technologies and workers boosts the economy, and measures like carbon border adjustments protect domestic industries from unfair competition. Policy is crucial for financing and speeding up the development of clean technologies to reduce emissions. Creating demand through green procurement, financial support, and carbon pricing helps turn scientific advances into practical solutions. Engineers can lower the cost of clean technologies like heat pumps and thermal batteries. Policies and funding can support these innovations by overcoming initial cost barriers and aiding commercial adoption. The journey to a zero-carbon industry involves both short-term and long-term measures. Key next steps include improving energy efficiency, enhancing material efficiency, and electrifying industrial heating, all of which can significantly reduce emissions and improve performance. Switching to cleaner materials in construction often adds only a tiny fraction to the overall cost of a building, which is usually negligible compared to other expenses.