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Feb 29, 2024

An integrated and strategic approach to decarbonize industrial compagnies

  • Article

Decarbonization is a major concern for industrial companies, both because they want to be socially and environmentally responsible and because of growing regulatory and economic pressures.

  1. There are four main ways to decarbonize:

    • Replacing carbon-intensive elements with those that pollute less
    • Lowering energy consumption
    • Capturing and sequestering CO2
    • Emission compensation measures

    “While the urgency to act is real, it also means taking the time to approach decarbonization holistically to make sure it works,” explains Stéphane Charest, Vice-President, Decarbonization, Energy and Chemicals at BBA. “The best planning processes are based on understanding the client's context and challenges, preparing, being flexible and ensuring profitability.” 

  2. There are several steps to a good plan:

    1. Analysis – Create an overview of energy consumption and CO2 emissions
      The first step is to define the company's objectives and gather the data and information needed to establish a baseline.
    2. Planning – Establish the decarbonization plan
      Based on this overview, you can now identify ways to decarbonize by focusing on the activities that emit the most CO2. Creating a portfolio of opportunities by ranking them based on their potential for GHG reduction; their financial impacts; how their integration will affect operations; the maturity of the technologies or solutions proposed; and their risks, will then help create an action and investment plan.
    3. Implementation – Roll out projects for each selected opportunity
      The first step is to check whether the project is feasible, obtain permits and approvals and secure any available subsidies and required financing. Engineers can then design the solution and commission it.
    4. Monitor results against expected impacts to maximize performance in the long run and, depending on the progress of the overall plan and any changes, return to Step 1 to pick the next best project!

    “To cut down on carbon, we need all the solutions that are out there and are being developed. But it’s important to pick a technology portfolio that’s adapted to the industry and then properly integrate it throughout the company’s life cycle. This way, we get the best possible results by cutting greenhouse gas emissions and making corporate profits, all while maintaining and even optimizing operations,” adds Stéphane Charest.

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