The chemical industry must undergo a dual transformation: electrifying energy use and defossilizing carbon feedstocks. This paper, developed by ENGIEs Scientific Council, examines how energy and chemistry can converge to enable this shift.
This Perspective explores how the convergence of energy and chemistry can unlock pathways toward a fossil-free future. We assess the roles of biomass, biomethane, recycled plastics, and CO₂ as sustainable carbon sources, and explore the enabling potential of electrification, low-carbon hydrogen, and Direct Air Capture.
Our findings highlight the need for coordinated investment, policy support, and alignment with renewable energy geography to achieve a resilient, fossil-free future.
Thanks to all co-authors for the great discussions over the last year:
Christian Breyer, Ronnie Belmans, Corinne Gendron, Patrice Geoffron, Carolyn Fischer, Elodie du FORNEL, PhD, PMP®, Olivier Ledent, Richard Lester, Kimberly Nicholas, Laura Megrelis, Paulo Emílio Valadão de Miranda, Céline Paton, Alice Prudhomme, Peter Verwee, Olivier Sala, Michael E. Webber and Koenraad Debackere
