Technology readiness: Direct use of clean electricity

Current status of implementation and existing gaps

Different charging models are being explored to catalyse the electrification of heavy-duty vehicles. Beyond overnight charging, there is a push to offer ultrafast charging options to accelerate the utilisation of electric heavy-duty vehicles in regional and long-haul operations (IRENA, 2024b).

Examples and initiatives

A joint venture by Daimler, Volvo and the Traton Group plans to roll out a large-scale ultrafast public charging network for heavy-duty trucks and coaches in Europe with at least 1 700 charging points (IRENA, 2024b).

Refer to the ‘Physical infrastructure: power grid modernisation and expansion’, for further examples.

Current status of implementation and existing gaps

Electricity in the shipping sector is becoming a relevant option as battery technology develops. By the end of 2024, there were almost 950 battery-operated vessels (DNV, n.d.b). This is a nine-fold jump from a decade ago. However, due to the low energy density, battery use in shipping is limited to passenger and non-cargo-related shipping. Electrification of ports, known as cold ironing, is important as bulk ships emit a considerable proportion of their emissions – over 20% – while in port (IMO, 2021a).

Examples and initiatives

The Port of Long Beach in the United States has invested in onshore power supply for ships, in accordance with California’s Ocean-Going Vessels at Berth Regulation (Port of Long Beach, n.d.).

Current status of implementation and existing gaps

Electric propulsion is another technology pathway that should be considered for aviation. In the past, electric propulsion has had limited potential as a decarbonisation solution due to the limited energy density of commercially available batteries. However, there has been remarkable progress in battery technologies over the last few years. Breakthroughs in energy density, with some batteries reaching 500 Wh/kg, could open the door to their application in electric or hybrid small aircraft and short-haul flights.

Examples and initiatives

The EcoPulse demonstrator, an initiative by Airbus, Daher and Safran, tested lithium-ion batteries on a hybrid electric aircraft. Over 50 test flights were performed during the project, for a total 100 hours of flight time (Airbus, 2025b).

Current status of implementation and existing gaps

Scrap–electric arc furnace production already accounts for 32% of the total steel decarbonisation projects announced (BNEF, 2024a). Using renewable-based electricity in the electric arc furnace process is straightforward and can reduce the sector’s emissions. Other direct electrification technologies are emerging, such as molten oxide electrolysis. They are under development but not yet available commercially at scale.

Examples and initiatives

The Boston Metal Group is one of the companies pursuing the direct electrolysis of iron ore route, aiming to have a commercial plant deployed by 2026. Another initiative, the Siderwin consortium, has demonstrated the feasibility of iron production via electrolysis at 110^°C (IRENA, 2023d).

Current status of implementation and existing gaps

The conversion of hydrocarbon molecules (ethane, propane, butane, oil and naphtha) into high-value chemicals such olefines and BTX aromatics is an important process in the chemical industry. The process, known as steam cracking, is challenging to electrify to need of high temperatures of around 900°C and non-conductive nature of heating materials.

Examples and initiatives

BASF, Sabic and Linde in 2024 completed the development and construction of electrically heated steam cracker in Ludwigshafen. The demonstration plant will require 6MW of power which will be supplied with renewable electricity.

Current status of implementation and existing gaps

Electrifying cement kilns at high temperatures is challenging; a few pilots are exploring the use of high-temperature electric plasma or concentrated solar thermal. These solutions are still experimental, with uncertain economics and potential for scaling; they may face major retrofitting costs and involve high electricity demands, especially for process heat above 1 400^°C.

Examples and initiatives

The Synhelion-Cemex solar cement pilot in Spain uses concentrated solar heat. Several labs are exploring microwave or plasma-based calcination, but all remain at early R&D stages (Synhelion, 2023).

The collaboration between Vattenfall and Cementa in Sweden focuses on developing electrified solutions to decarbonise cement production. The collaboration aims to power cement production with renewable energy from Vattenfall’s portfolio, including wind, hydro and solar energy (Vattenfall, 2019).