The import of fossil fuels costs the EU over 350 billion euros every year. At the same time, 75 percent of industrial carbon emissions come from the generation of process heat using fossil fuels. Electrification of energy-intensive industries can help reduce our dependence, increase economic competitiveness and achieve our climate goals.
In our short interview, we talk to Ioana Petcu, Senior Advisor – Climate and Industrial Policy at Eurelectric, about the benefits, challenges and solutions of electrification. Petcu is session chair of the session Enhancing EU Industrial Competitiveness Through Large-Scale Electrification at the EM-Power Europe Conference in Munich on May 6–7, 2025.
Electrification of industrial processes is no longer a distant ambition – it is a strategic imperative. By shifting away from fossil fuels, European industry can unlock lasting economic, environmental, and resilience benefits. With fossil fuel imports costing the EU over 350 billion euros annually, electrification offers a pathway to greater energy independence, lower exposure to geopolitical risks and global market volatility, and enhanced energy efficiency. For many sectors, electrification is already cost-competitive on a total cost of ownership basis – especially where mature technologies like heat pumps and electric arc furnaces are used.
Electrification is also essential to cutting emissions: 75 percent of industrial carbon emissions come from fossil fuel-based process heat. Existing electric technologies can cover between 60 and 90 percent of this demand, offering a clear path to meet the EU’s 2050 climate neutrality goals through direct electrification. However, high upfront technology costs and inconsistent incentive mechanisms pose challenges and lock consumers into fossil-based processes. Yet, with the right support, electrification can become a driver of industrial competitiveness.
Power sector and industry growth must go hand in hand. Closer collaboration between industry and utilities is essential for delivering secure, affordable, and decarbonized electricity at scale. Electrification is not just a technology shift – it is a systems transformation that requires coordination on infrastructure, long-term planning, and flexible demand solutions.
These partnerships enable smarter energy use, enhance system resilience, and create shared value across the energy chain. Aligning strategies helps overcome barriers, accelerate deployment, and build confidence in Europe as an attractive place for business. Collaboration is no longer optional – it is the engine of industrial competitiveness.
Our session will bring together industry leaders, utilities, and policy experts to explore the path to competitive electrification. Expect a frank conversation about real-world challenges – upfront and energy costs, infrastructure readiness – as well as bold ideas for overcoming them. Through keynotes and panel discussions, we will highlight best practices, successful partnerships, and innovative approaches that show how electrification is already delivering value today. The session will also address how digitalization and smart grids can scale these efforts, helping both large and energy-intensive industries adapt and lead in the net-zero transition.
You can find out more about the session Enhancing EU Industrial Competitiveness Through Large-Scale Electrification at the EM-Power Europe Conference and the detailed program here.
