Energy Consumption
The chemical industry is energy-intensive, using about 25-50% of the natural gas it purchases as raw materials, while the rest is used to generate steam and power for plants and processes. Chemicals are therefore highly impacted by gas prices.
The chemical sector has played a pioneering role in enhancing energy efficiency, achieving a 51% reduction in specific energy consumption since 1990. This commitment to energy efficiency extends to optimising processes, including the construction of new facilities. Additionally, a notable portion of the energy used by the chemical industry as feedstock is stored in products and remains recyclable. Achieving further substantial improvements would require technological breakthroughs.
Enhancing energy efficiency in this energy-intensive chemical sector is not only a key economic success factor but also a pivotal tool for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, next to electrification and other GHG reduction measures. This, in turn, supports the transition towards climate neutrality.
EU27 gas and electricity account for two thirds of total energy consumption
Total energy consumption* in the EU27 chemical industry by source, 2022 (%)
EU27 energy consumption falls 30% since 1990
Energy consumption in the EU27 chemical industry
EU27 gas consumption falls 41% since 1990
Gas consumption in the EU27 chemical industry
EU27 electrical energy consumption falls 18% since 1990
Electrical energy consumption in the EU27 chemical industry
EU27 Total petroleum consumption falls 22% since 1990
Total petroleum products consumption in the EU27 chemical industry
EU27 solid fuels consumption falls 71% since 1990
Solid fuels consumption in the EU27 chemical industry
EU27 renewable energies consumption more than TRIPPLED SINCE 2000
Renewable energies consumption in the EU27 chemical industry
EU27 SPECIFIC ENERGY CONSUMPTION* DROPPED BY 51% since 1990
Efficient use of energy in the EU27 chemical industry
EU27 Chemicals performance* is slightly higher than overall industry
EU27 specific energy consumption: chemicals vs total industry
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Profile – Trade Development – Growth And Competitiveness – Our Contribution To EU27 Industry – Capital & R&I Spending – Environmental Performance
