# A Review of Worldwide Strategies for Promoting High-Temperature Heat Pumps
## 2 The Decarbonization of the Industrial Sector  
### Electrification of Industrial Heat Demand  
The industrial sector stands out as one of the most energy-intensive and polluting sectors in many economies worldwide. A significant portion of its final energy consumption is dedicated to process heating, typically heavily relying on fossil fuels. Consequently, this reliance significantly contributes to GHG emissions. According to the data, in 2022 alone, the industrial sector accounted for nearly a quarter of the total CO\({}_{2}\) emissions from the global energy system, and its main energy source is represented by fossil fuels [39; 40]. This global trend is also evident at the national level. For instance, in the USA, industry represents over 32% of total energy consumption. A significant portion of on-site industrial energy use, accounting for 51%, is attributed to the generation and utilization of process heat. This sector thus becomes a key focus for energy and CO2 emissions reduction efforts. Presently, less than 5% of the energy used for process heat generation comes from electricity, with the majority sourced from fossil fuels [41]. Similarly, in the EU, the industrial sector accounts for approximately 26% of the region's total final energy consumption (TFC). Fossil fuels, particularly oil and petroleum products (approximately 35%), electricity (approximately 23%), and natural gas (NG) (approximately 23%), are the primary sources of energy for this sector [42,43]. In India, the industrial sector stands out as the largest consumer of energy, comprising 42% of the nation's TFC [44]. This pattern persists across other countries as well. In China, for instance, the industry sector accounts for a substantial 49% of TFC, with heat being the primary end-use application, constituting approximately 60% of energy demand [45]. Therefore, decarbonizing the industrial sector worldwide is crucial to reach the desired reduction in overall emissions. Process heat, specifically, accounts for the majority of industrial energy consumption, representing up to 50-70% of the total [46]. Prioritizing the decarbonization of process heating and improving energy efficiency is essential for industries striving to meet their climate objectives by 2030 and beyond [47]. The development of new technologies enabling zero-carbon heat production through electrification offers a promising avenue for significantly reducing sectoral emissions. However, decarbonizing the industry sector poses unique challenges due to its diverse range of processes and substantial heat demand, which vary widely in terms of required temperatures and desired outcomes (e.g., simple heat exchange or specific chemical reactions) [48]. Consequently, no single technology can electrify heating applications across this spectrum. In this context, P2H technologies emerge as a crucial element for sectoral decarbonization through electrification. These technologies involve the conversion of electrical energy into heat, primarily for use in the built environment or industrial processes [27]. Generally speaking, industry electrification can be achieved through two methods: direct and indirect electrification. Direct electrification involves producing heat using electric boilers and HPs, while indirect electrification entails generating electricity-based fuels for burning in boilers or similar systems [35]. Electrification could also benefit power systems by reducing peak demand fluctuations. As renewables' share in the power mix increases, surplus wind or solar power can be utilized with low-cost electric devices like resistors in boilers or tanks, enhancing grid flexibility and occasionally reducing CO2 emissions. Additionally, short-duration heat storage can increase flexibility and facilitate greater renewable power uptake by industry, aiding in variability management. In the context of industry electrification, aligning with the transformation of the national electricity system is imperative, particularly in the transition to 100% renewable-based electrification.