New Clean Heat Program targets fossil fuel phase-out in industrial heating

A new initiative aims to speed up the shift away from fossil fuels in industrial heating. The Clean Heat Program, launched by AstraZeneca, Secaro, and sustainability consultancy ERM, will help businesses cut emissions while improving energy security. Founding partner AstraZeneca has pledged to work with suppliers, peers, and buyers to adopt cleaner heat solutions faster.

Industrial process heat is responsible for around 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions each year. Yet moving away from fossil-fuelled systems remains technically difficult and costly for many firms. The Clean Heat Program intends to tackle these challenges by offering supply chain data, expert guidance, and funding options.

Rather than focusing on single sites, the initiative encourages companies to assess opportunities across entire supply chains. ERM will provide technical support to develop and roll out low-carbon heat projects. The programme also links climate action with energy stability, helping businesses reduce reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets while meeting investor and regulatory demands. AstraZeneca's involvement as a founding partner signals a push for wider industry collaboration. The goal is to move firms from planning to action, ensuring practical steps are taken to cut emissions in one of the hardest-to-decarbonise sectors.

The Clean Heat Program offers a structured approach to industrial heat decarbonisation. By combining data analysis, technical expertise, and financial pathways, it aims to make low-carbon heat more accessible. Companies joining the initiative will gain tools to lower emissions while strengthening their energy resilience.