Sustainable Industrial Production and Energy Supply in Times of Multiple Crises

Japan and Germany have both committed to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 and 2045 resp., and to implement the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including efforts for efficient use of resources and sustainable production methods.

Industry is responsible for around 30% of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Every company has a responsibility to reduce the carbon footprint. But switching to CO2-neutral and sustainable production is a major challenge, especially for energy-intensive industries (steel, cement, chemicals). Large quantities of “green” electricity as well as carbon-free process heat will be needed, which has become even more difficult in the current energy crisis caused by Russia’s war in Ukraine. Furthermore, resources must be used in an efficient way by closing material, water or heat cycles.

Which strategies do companies in Japan and Germany have to transform make their production sustainable and carbon-neutral? Which technologies for providing “green” electricity and process heat to factories are available? And what political framework conditions are crucial in this context?

Experts from German and Japanese industry and politics will discuss these issues at the 16th German-Japanese Business Forum at HANNOVER MESSE.