Report/Electrification of high-temperature furnaces
Electric furnaces are a key means of decarbonising industry, and their technology is becoming increasingly mature. They offer significant advantages in terms of reducing CO₂ and pollutant emissions, improving energy efficiency and operational flexibility, and reducing maintenance requirements.
However, the deployment of high-temperature electric furnaces is currently limited by several major obstacles, including high investment costs, the difficulty of adapting industrial processes, and the lack of a stable economic framework to secure long-term projects.
This study aims to identify solutions for the electrification of high-temperature furnaces, as well as analysing the conditions for their industrial deployment.
The study covers an inventory of fossil fuel technologies and their electrical alternatives in several key sectors, such as steel, metallurgy, cement, glass and ceramics. It also analyses the European and global markets and identifies levers for development, particularly issues relating to connection to the electricity grid.
Successful deployment depends on the coordinated mobilisation of all relevant stakeholders: public authorities, manufacturers, trade associations, furnace manufacturers, engineering firms and energy companies. Targeted support is required for pioneering projects.
The study analyses three main technologies — arc furnaces, resistance furnaces and induction furnaces — which vary in maturity according to their uses, but offer strong potential for decarbonisation. Technological advances and standardised solutions are essential to reduce costs, secure investments, and help achieve the SNBC's climate objectives.
However, the deployment of high-temperature electric furnaces is currently limited by several major obstacles, including high investment costs, the difficulty of adapting industrial processes, and the lack of a stable economic framework to secure long-term projects.
This study aims to identify solutions for the electrification of high-temperature furnaces, as well as analysing the conditions for their industrial deployment.
The study covers an inventory of fossil fuel technologies and their electrical alternatives in several key sectors, such as steel, metallurgy, cement, glass and ceramics. It also analyses the European and global markets and identifies levers for development, particularly issues relating to connection to the electricity grid.
Successful deployment depends on the coordinated mobilisation of all relevant stakeholders: public authorities, manufacturers, trade associations, furnace manufacturers, engineering firms and energy companies. Targeted support is required for pioneering projects.
The study analyses three main technologies — arc furnaces, resistance furnaces and induction furnaces — which vary in maturity according to their uses, but offer strong potential for decarbonisation. Technological advances and standardised solutions are essential to reduce costs, secure investments, and help achieve the SNBC's climate objectives.
