Green H2 for High-Heat
High-temperature industrial processes such as cement kilns, glass furnaces, lime production, ceramics, and certain metallurgical refining steps require sustained heat above 1000°C. These applications are difficult to electrify directly because conventional electric resistance heating or industrial heat pumps cannot efficiently reach or maintain such extreme conditions. Green hydrogen offers a decarbonization pathway by serving as a clean-burning fuel to replace coal, coke, natural gas, or oil in these hard-to-abate sectors.
Produced via renewable-powered electrolysis, green hydrogen can be combusted in adapted burners, hybrid electric-hydrogen furnaces, or plasma-assisted systems to achieve the temperatures necessary for continuous industrial output. While energy efficiency is lower than direct electrification, hydrogen provides a technically viable option where electrification alone is not yet mature or cost-effective.
Electrified Process Chain
| Process Step | Electrified Equipment | Role | Electrification Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hydrogen Production | PEM or alkaline electrolyzers | Generates renewable hydrogen | Powered by solar, wind, or hydroelectricity |
| Fuel Preparation & Storage | Compressors, cryogenic tanks, pipelines | Prepares hydrogen for use in furnaces | Electric compression and pumping equipment |
| Combustion Systems | Hydrogen-compatible burners and nozzles | Delivers flame temperatures >1000°C | Replaces fossil burners without carbon emissions |
| High-Heat Furnaces | Hybrid electric-hydrogen kilns, plasma-assisted furnaces | Maintains continuous high-temperature operations | Flexible use of electricity + hydrogen to balance energy inputs |
Role in Industrial Electrification
- Provides a low-carbon substitute fuel for sectors where direct electrification is challenging.
- Supports cement, glass, and ceramics industries in meeting climate and ESG targets.
- Integrates with electrified equipment such as plasma torches and hybrid kilns.
- Complements electrification strategies by covering the extreme high-heat segment.
Market Outlook & Adoption
| Rank | Adoption Segment | Drivers | Constraints |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cement Kilns | 7% of global CO2, regulatory decarbonization pressure | High fuel cost vs coal, burner retrofits required |
| 2 | Glass Furnaces | Continuous melt operations, industrial ESG targets | Hydrogen combustion dynamics (flame stability, NOx) |
| 3 | Lime & Ceramics | Need for consistent 1000–1400°C firing | Adaptation of burners, capex for furnace upgrades |
| 4 | Metallurgical Processes | Non-ferrous smelting, specialty metal refining | Competition with electric arc or induction processes |
Strategic Importance
- Addresses some of the hardest-to-abate industrial sectors where electrification alone is insufficient.
- Drives early large-scale demand for green hydrogen beyond mobility and chemicals.
- Links hydrogen infrastructure to cement, glass, and metals clusters.
- Positions hydrogen as both an energy carrier and a thermal input for heavy industry.