Decarbonization and Energy-FlowsEfficiency Missions : Technical Levers for Companies : A study within the European and French regulatory framework

Sammanfattning

The European Union’s commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050 has placed industrial decarbonization and energy efficiency at the core of its strategic priorities. In this context, industries are required to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while preserving economic competitiveness and operational performance. This study investigates both the technical and non-technical levers available to support effective industrial decarbonization and energy management within the European regulatory framework. Drawing on real-world case studies conducted in France during an internship at OID Consultants, this work is grounded in practical applications of carbon accounting methodologies, regulatory energy audits, and energy performance modelling to quantify emission reduction potentials. The analysis highlights the impact of energy efficiency improvements, electrification of thermal processes, waste heat recovery, renewable energy integration, and circular economy strategies. The study was therefore carried out from a consultant’s perspective rather than a purely academic research standpoint, providing a highly operational and pragmatic view of the analyses conducted and the solutions proposed in response to the research question. While significant technical potential for emission reductions is identified—particularly in relation to achieving the 2030 intermediate targets—the findings demonstrate that implementation is often constrained by financial, organizational, and regulatory barriers. The study ultimately concludes that decarbonization is not solely a technical challenge, but a systemic transformation requiring coordinated action at economic, organizational, and institutional levels. Integrating sustainability into engineering practice is essential to ensure that technological progress aligns with long-term climate objectives and effectively supports the transition toward a low-carbon future.