21 November 2024 marked the start of a journey towards the NetZero Milan May event, with the launch of the ‘Road to NetZero Milan’ webinar series. The project aims to explore the strategies and technologies needed to achieve the goal of zero net emissions. In this blog post, we will recount the highlights of the first webinar and give you a preview of what you can expect in the upcoming meetings.
The electrification of industry represents one of the most promising avenues for a more sustainable and energy-efficient future. Technologies exist and are continuously developing, offering numerous opportunities for companies. During the first webinar, several experts shared their knowledge and visions on how electrification can transform various industries, moderated by Leonardo Berlen of QualEnergia.it
Carolina Bedocchi of ECCO Think Tank discussed the emissions impact of the Italian manufacturing sector, which contributes 22% of national greenhouse gas emissions. She highlighted the potential of electrification of process heat at low and medium temperatures, which could reduce emissions by 8.3 MtCO2eq by 2030, improving energy security and reducing dependence on gas prices. She also addressed barriers to electrification such as high costs and infrastructure constraints, proposing enabling measures such as the adoption of renewable energy and the modernisation of electricity grids.
Alan Carnevali of Renovis presented existing and innovative solutions for the electrification of process energy carriers. He spoke about heat pumps, photovoltaics and storage systems, emphasising the benefits of electrification, such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions, increased energy security and long-term cost savings. He also discussed the challenges related to required electrical power and high initial costs, highlighting the opportunities offered by technological development.
Andrea Codazzi of Schneider Electric illustrated the role of electrification in the decarbonisation of the glass industry, explaining how furnace electrification can significantly increase power demand and grid voltages. He emphasised the importance of improving the energy efficiency of electrical equipment to reduce operating costs and emissions. He also highlighted the advantages of induction over gas, such as more efficient and faster heating, less waste and zero CO2 emissions, while also improving working conditions.
