Guide | Decarbonising Heat

Navigating the Path to Net Zero

Heat is the world’s largest energy end use with almost half of global final energy consumption linked to its supply. Manufacturing and industrial processes are responsible for 51% of the heat, while another 44% is used for space and water heating in buildings.

Currently heat supply is dominated by fossil fuels, with modern renewables meeting less than 12% of global heat demand in 2021. There is some variability between regions, but no region is anywhere near the decarbonisation finish line, with between 75% (EU) and 93% (Japan, China) of heat supply in need of a transformation.

The decarbonisation of heat is a complex and challenging task, but it is essential in tackling climate change.