# LLM Context
URL: https://weeg.it/en/news/industrial-thermal-decarbonization-how-to-turn-62-of-process-heat-into-guaranteed-savings/

# Industrial Thermal Decarbonization: How to turn 62% of process heat into guaranteed savings

> The article presents White Energy's approach to industrial thermal decarbonization, describing pressures linked to natural gas and outlining an ESCo/EPC model based on electrification, biomass steam and cogeneration without client CAPEX.

## Page details

- **Source language:** English
- **Content type:** Article
- **Original title:** Industrial Thermal Decarbonization: How to turn 62% of process heat into guaranteed savings
- **English title:** Industrial Thermal Decarbonization: How to turn 62% of process heat into guaranteed savings
- **Source URL:** https://weeg.it/en/news/industrial-thermal-decarbonization-how-to-turn-62-of-process-heat-into-guaranteed-savings/
- **Summary:** White Energy describes the economic, regulatory and financing pressures affecting industrial process heat and presents ESCo and Energy Performance Contract solutions for reducing dependence on natural gas.

## Why thermal decarbonization is urgent

The article describes Italian industry as facing the need to remain competitive while dealing with growing energy and environmental costs. It argues that continued reliance on traditional natural gas boilers for industrial process heat creates both environmental and financial exposure.

## The methane trap

The page identifies three critical factors for energy-intensive production processes:

1. **Italian energy cost ratio:** the article states that the electricity-to-gas cost ratio in Italy is 4 to 1 and describes it as the highest in Europe.
2. **ETS2 exposure:** it states that from 2027 the new European Emissions Trading System will extend CO2 pricing and increase natural gas costs associated with Scope 1 emissions.
3. **Financing barrier:** it states that high-efficiency technologies can cost up to three times more than a traditional boiler and that 80% of companies identify access to financing as the main barrier to transition.

The article cites a FIRE study reporting that 62% of industrial process heat is already electrifiable using largely mature technologies.

## Whitenergy ESCo and EPC model

The proposed model combines an Energy Service Company approach with Energy Performance Contracts. According to the page, Whitenergy finances, designs and manages the intervention, while the client company pays only for the energy consumed at a reduced and locked-in price.

The article presents Green Heat and Green Steam as examples of solutions where the company buys a guaranteed result rather than purchasing a single technology.

## Technology paths

Depending on the production site, the page identifies three possible paths:

- **High-temperature heat pumps:** recovery of low-temperature waste heat, including flows around 50°C, to produce hot water or steam up to 120°C. The article identifies washing, sanitizing and drying as suitable processes.
- **Industrial steam from biomass:** biomass boilers for constant steam demand up to 10 bar, using fuels such as wood chips, hazelnuts or pomace. The article cites distilleries, chemical industry and dairies as examples.
- **High-yield cogeneration (CAR):** combined production of electricity and thermal energy to improve overall plant efficiency, reduce grid withdrawals and support business continuity.

## Strategic advantages stated in the article

- Reduction of direct CO2 emissions and improved ESG positioning.
- Zero client CAPEX, with the plant investment borne by Whitenergy.
- Management by the ESCo of White Certificates (TEEs) and related incentive procedures.
- Reduced exposure to fossil-fuel market volatility through the service model described.

## Related links

- [Article cited for the FIRE study](https://www.qualenergia.it/articoli/industria-ue-italia-62-percento-calore-processo-elettrificabile/)
- [ESCo solutions](https://weeg.it/en/energy-solutions-for-businesses/esco/)
- [Renewable thermal plants](https://weeg.it/en/energy-solutions-for-businesses/esco/renewable-thermal-plants/)
- [Industrial steam from biomass](https://weeg.it/en/energy-solutions-for-businesses/esco/industrial-steam-from-biomass/)
- [Sustainable cogeneration](https://weeg.it/en/energy-solutions-for-businesses/esco/sustainable-cogeneration-green-chp/)