Reaching Net-Zero in the Chemical Industry - A study of roadmaps for reducing greenhouse gas emissions

Abstract: Following the decision set by the EU of a net-zero greenhouse gas emission target for 2050, several industries have made roadmaps for how these reductions will be achieved. This thesis investigates the chemical industry roadmaps in order to assess how they envision their role in reaching the EU target. The technologies and strategies used in the roadmaps to reach the reduction targets vary widely, often showing a mix of mechanical and chemical recycling, feedstock switches to biomass and CO2, electrification and CCS. The industry's transition is furthermore seen as heavily dependent on the surrounding framework, mainly in regard to policy and energy. Clear signals to indicate the industry's own agency is on the other hand often lacking in the roadmaps. While the roadmaps often indicate how the transition is modelled to progress in intervals until 2050, more short term planning and recommendations for industry is generally lacking, thus not facilitating early action. What emissions are included and how they are accounted for is not consistent across the different roadmaps, and this is especially the case for emissions that are not under the direct control of the chemical industry. To better assess the potential of solutions involving the entire value chain and circular economy solutions, the full life cycle emissions of products should be more carefully assessed and calculated. Despite the EU target of net-zero, the pathways illustrated in the roadmaps show varying and often less ambitious reduction targets. If industries follow paths that do not achieve net-zero emissions, this jeopardizes the EU's ability to reach its target, as well as the Paris agreement and ultimately the future stability of the planet's climate.