Digital technologies and infrastructure

Current status of implementation and existing gaps

Vehicle-to-grid technology is increasingly being explored to integrate EVs, including medium- and heavy-duty trucks, into the power grid. This approach allows EVs to not only draw power from the grid but also supply electricity back, aiding in grid stability and offering potential revenue streams for fleet operators.

Examples and initiatives

Sensata Technologies has developed a high-voltage distribution unitfor megawatt-scale charging of heavy-duty electric trucks. The unit manages and distributes high-voltage power while integrating digital technologies. The sensors enable the monitoring of voltage, current and temperature, supporting predictive maintenance and ensuring an efficient energy flow.

Current status of implementation and existing gaps

Digital technologies can be used in different areas to accelerate the decarbonisation of the shipping sector, such as predictive maintenance of ships, emissions and energy tracking, and optimisation of shipping routes and port operations. The data derived can be crucial to monitoring and reducing emissions and energy. However, several data-related barriers remain, such as inconsistent data collection approaches and challenges in data sharing.

Examples and initiatives

The European Space Agency has launched the Decarbonization through Digitalization in Shipping initiative, which aims to optimise port operations and vessel performance to reduce emissions (European Space Agency, n.d.).

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and the Indian Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways have agreed to work together on maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation under the Singapore-India Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (MPA and MOPSW, 2025).

Current status of implementation and existing gaps

The use of digital technologies and infrastructure, such as AI and digital twins, can play a crucial role in sustainable aviation. The application of these technologies can vary from reducing fuel consumption using data analysis to predictive analysis and optimisation of aircraft and flight operations (Xue et al., 2025).

Examples and initiatives

The DLR Institute of Combustion Technology’s Simfuel digital tool can help check how much soot an SAF uses by analysing the fuel’s properties against a database of different conventional and low-carbon fuels (DLR, 2025).

Current status of implementation and existing gaps

In the era of digital transformation, the iron and steel industry can reap the benefits of using advanced technologies and data-driven solutions to streamline plant operations. The innovations can increase the process efficiency of plants by optimizing some processes while maintaining competitiveness. However, the need for a skilled workforce to incorporate and operate the new process should be addressed prior to engaging in the digital transformation of the industry (Steel Technology, n.d.).

Examples and initiatives

Several steel producers, including Tata Steel Nederland, have implemented a simulation-based digital twin process to optimise production and reduce energy consumption (Ansys, n.d.).

Voestalpine has adopted an artificial intelligence-based tool for scrap sorting at its Linz and Danowitz production site in Austria (Schraml, 2024).

Current status of implementation and existing gaps

The application of digital technologies and infrastructure in the industry, particularly in the chemical sector, includes modelling, analytics, data sharing, and infrastructure such as advanced sensors and automation. The application of such technologies not only results in emission reduction but also improves the industry’s health, safety and operational performance. In Europe, the chemical industry has quickly adopted a few digital technologies, such as modelling and analytics. However, more opportunities exist to adopt advanced technologies, particularly advanced sensors (Cefic and Arthur D. Little, 2023).

Examples and initiatives

BASF has partnered with several organisations, such as IntelliSense.io, Connect+ and Microsoft, to facilitate digital technology.

Current status of implementation and existing gaps

The cement industry is increasingly adopting digital technologies to optimise operations, reduce emissions and improve resource efficiency. Technologies such as digital twins, artificial intelligence-powered predictive maintenance, real-time internet of things and sensor monitoring systems, and advanced process control are being integrated to improve process efficiencies. However, some existing challenges, such as cybersecurity risks, data privacy concerns and the need for a skilled workforce to incorporate and operate the digital processes, need to be addressed prior to engaging in the digital transformation of the industry.

Examples and initiatives

Cemex and Holcim are using digital twin technologies to simulate process scenarios and optimise cement production (Global CCS Institute, 2022).