JOURNAL: Bridging the gap between defossilisation and decarbonisation to achieve net-zero industry
Summary
Authors:
Steve Griffiths
Benjamin Sovacool
Marfuga Iskandarova
Hans Jakob Walnum
University of Sussex
Boston University
American University of Sharjah
Western Norway Research Institute
Bridging the gap between defossilisation and decarbonisation to achieve net-zero industry
Environmental Research Letters
February 2025
This paper examines how two different approaches to cutting industrial carbon emissions — the circular carbon economy (CCE) and defossilisation — can work together to help countries reach net-zero targets. It draws on in-depth research in the US, Norway and the United Arab Emirates, including interviews with experts and visits to key industrial sites. The study finds that while defossilisation means phasing out fossil fuels entirely, the CCE approach offers a more flexible route, especially for oil- and gas-producing countries. It highlights how tailored strategies, technology investment, and international cooperation are all essential for a fair and effective path to net-zero industry.