Zero-pollution, decarbonisation, and circular economy in energy-intensive industries

This briefing presents key air pollutant trends and projections for energy-intensive industries in Europe. It also discusses greenhouse gas (GHG) emission trends over the past two decades. It outlines technology pathways and opportunities for industrial transformation related to zero pollution, decarbonisation and circularity in the context of the Clean Industrial Deal (CID).

Key messages

Over the last 20 years, total GHG emissions from energy-intensive industries fell by 42%, SOx by 63%, dioxins by 62%, nickel (Ni) by 64% and NOx by 55%. Gross Value Added (GVA) remained relatively stable but declined after 2020.

Progress in reducing emissions has stalled over the past decade. The external costs of these emissions are mainly health-related and remain high — at around EUR 73 billion annually.

To achieve more reductions, environmental legislation needs to be fully implemented and emission-intensive processes require transformative change — while striving for the EU’s sustainable competitiveness ambitions.

Circularity and decarbonisation — in particular electrification — offer significant co-benefits for pollution prevention. A clear understanding of these co-benefits and risks should be used to guide investments and maximise environmental, health and competitiveness gains.