Meeting the new energy reality with scalable technologies and solutions

The global energy transition is facing a critical challenge, balancing energy security, affordability and sustainability. In a world shaped by poly-crises, the question we must ask ourselves is: how can we address decarbonization of hard-to-electrify sectors through available, scalable solutions?  

Bridging the gap: navigating the energy trilemma in a decisive decade 
While significant commitments and progress have been made to innovate, scale, and deploy low-emission energy solutions, the gap between ambition and results persists.  Today’s energy transition requires finding a balance between energy security, affordability, and sustainability. 

Geopolitical tensions, inflation and high interest rates have further complicated the business case for energy-transition projects, slowing forward movement at a critical moment. We are in the midst of a decisive decade, one that is laying the foundation for a net-zero future.  

While the challenge is immense, it is far from insurmountable. With supportive policies, groundbreaking collaborations, and strategic investments in emissions-reducing technologies, we can build a sustainable, reliable, and diverse energy supply at both local and regional levels. 

Transforming energy-intensive industries for a sustainable future 
We know that the path to a sustainable future will not be forged by a single innovation, idea, or approach. Instead, it involves a mix of solutions to create a resilient, scalable energy system capable of meeting the challenges and possibilities of our time.  

According to the International Energy Agency, electricity will account for just over half of global energy consumption by 2050 in a net-zero scenario, with the remaining demand relying on low-carbon fuels like hydrogen and fossil fuels integrated with carbon capture and storage (CCS).  

We need to invest in a diverse range of solutions to scale up transformative technologies that will strengthen our energy security, make low-emission energy more accessible, and ensure that countries and regions are less vulnerable to energy shortfalls. 

Topsoe’s role in developing scalable technologies and solutions 
Energy-intensive industries require large amounts of energy, often operate under high temperatures, and are not easily electrified. To achieve net zero by 2050, it is critical to address the carbon challenges of these so-called “hard-to-abate” sectors, ranging from steel, cement, and chemicals manufacturing to long-distance transportation.   

At Topsoe, we develop technologies and solutions to pioneer this transformation and enable the shift to e-fuels, renewable fuels and low-carbon fuels – all of which ensure a more sustainable future for energy-intensive industries. 

E-Fuels: transforming energy through innovation 
Decarbonizing energy-intensive industries requires a comprehensive approach – addressing not only fuel production but also the chemistry that underpins it. Topsoe is among the few companies to offer a complete Power-to-X value proposition to produce e-fuels, green hydrogen, e-ammonia, e-methanol, and e-SAF through electrolysis and hydrogen conversion. Since e-fuels have the same chemical properties as fossil-based fuels, they can be substituted directly into existing infrastructure, ensuring seamless integration and immediate impact. 

Renewable fuels: a viable pathway to decarbonization 
For over two decades, Topsoe has been developing innovative solutions to create low-carbon, competitive fuels from renewable feedstocks. Our technologies enable the production of renewable diesel and jet fuel, also referred to as Sustainable Aviation Fuel, from virtually any source. With exceptional flexibility, high yields and drop-in compatibility, our renewable alternatives can seamlessly replace fossil-based fuels in existing infrastructure and engines, driving emissions reductions while maintaining operational reliability. 

Low-carbon fuels: unlocking opportunity in the energy transition 
Low-carbon fuels, also referred to as blue fuels, provide a viable pathway for industries to lead the energy transition. By combining traditional hydrogen production with carbon capture technologies, we produce low-carbon hydrogen, which can be converted into low-carbon ammonia and methanol, enabling significant emission reductions. At Topsoe, we continue to pioneer breakthroughs in low-carbon hydrogen production, leveraging advanced carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies to accelerate decarbonization across industries. 

Looking ahead 
As the world confronts the complexities of the energy transition, the path forward demands innovation, unwavering collaboration, and scalable solutions. At Topsoe, we are committed to driving this transformation – delivering proven technologies that empower industries to transition toward a net-zero future, while fueling innovation, economic prosperity, and energy security along the way. 

  Explore Part 2 of our New Energy Reality series, on strengthening the energy supply, here.