A Process Integration framework for estimating potential greenhouse gas emissions reductions from the industrial process heat sector is presented. It is important that Process Integration principles are applied to reduction measures to achieve the greatest benefits and avoid incorrect or sub-optimal integration (e.g. inappropriate placements of heat pumps). The basis of the framework develops process temperature demand profiles for industrial heating and cooling demand, allows targeting to be carried out, and provide a standard to assess emissions reduction measures against. In the method specific reduction measures are identified, which are integration appropriately and calculates the Marginal Abatement Cost (MAC) for each measure. MAC curves for individual processes or sectors can then be developed and compared, which are useful tools to assist in development of public policy tools that target emissions reduction from the industrial sector. Regional and national reduction potentials and estimates of costs can be estimated using the described framework. The formulation of good policy to encourage industry to transition to a low/zero carbon paradigm is essential for countries to meet their international emission reduction commitments. Preliminary results from an on-going study into New Zealand’s industrial emissions is presented including MAC curves for two major processes, which show that a 6 % reduction in national industrial emissions can be made economically at current carbon costs from these two processes alone.
