The Industrial Energy Accelerator is shifting gears

The new Industrial Decarbonization Accelerator takes the net-zero challenge to the next level

This week marks the launch of the new Industrial Decarbonization Accelerator, a UNIDO-led network of international initiatives accelerating the transition to a zero-carbon industrial future.

Industry is responsible for around 40 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions and must therefore lead the charge in a deep decarbonization of the economy. The new Industrial Decarbonization Accelerator offers a hub of information and experience on energy efficiency, alternative fuels and deep decarbonization for people working on the front lines of this challenge.

Global average temperatures have risen by more than 1°C since the Industrial Revolution, and to limit global warming to 1.5°C – and avoid the worst impacts of climate change – greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced by at least 43 per cent by 2030, and peak by 2025 at the latest. That gives us only three years to transform our global systems of production and consumption.

What we need now is a new industrial revolution to drastically reduce the environmental footprint of the manufacturing sector, while supporting social and economic wellbeing through inclusive and sustainable industrial development.

The Industrial Decarbonization Accelerator

To respond to the magnitude and urgency of the task ahead, the new Industrial Decarbonization Accelerator builds on the work of its predecessor – the Industrial Energy Accelerator – to assume a more holistic and wide-ranging approach to tackling industrial decarbonization. The industrial sector needs to completely rethink its energy use beyond energy efficiency. Solutions need to encompass a large-scale transition to renewables and other fuel sources, as well as a deep decarbonization of industrial processes, materials and distribution networks.

Local action for global solutions

The Accelerator applies UNIDO’s technical expertise and experience across 15 countries to provide training and know-how, financing solutions, and advocacy and policy support. Since many of these countries rely on fossil fuel imports, the Industrial Decarbonization Accelerator has great potential for advancing environmental goals while building domestic energy security and resilience in the manufacturing sector. Specific support is tailored to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that make up a large proportion of global supply chains – decarbonization of this sector has the potential to unleash hidden economic potential and job creation. The Accelerator also helps companies improve their data and analytics, which has the potential to boost productivity and achieve a 25%–40% reduction in energy use.

Stay in touch

The Accelerator website draws on a wealth of experience to help industry leaders, energy managers, consultants and policymakers implement energy efficiency solutions and make the shift away from fossil fuels. Visit our country pages to learn about ongoing projects, browse our decarb solutions for inspiration or access our resource collection on a range of topics related to decarbonizing the industrial sector. We are adding to this knowledge base all the time with accessible, solutions-oriented resources.

Subscribe to our newsletter and we’ll keep you up to date with the latest developments on the road to a zero-carbon industrial future.