Decarbonization of coal-based chemical industry: the integral role of renewable energy

Abstract

Coal-based chemical industries remain vital for energy security and economic stability in regions lacking oil and gas resources, yet face increasing pressure from net-zero targets and low-carbon competition. At the same time, global renewable energy deployment is constrained by grid limitations. This study introduces renewablization—a transformative framework that repurposes renewable electricity, heat, and hydrogen as the core of a multivector energy system for coal-based chemical plants. Adopting the philosophy of EnergyPLAN model, we demonstrate strong operational and physical synergies between renewable energy supply and energy system demands of coal-based process, enabling large-scale integration without grid dependency. Unlike fragmented approaches such as carbon capture, utilization, and storage, which remain fossil-based, or isolated green hydrogen applications lacking systemic impact, renewablization offers a unified, scalable pathway. It repositions renewable energy as the dominant energy and feedstock source, with coal retained only as a carbon input. The strategy unfolds across system-wide, unit-level, and equipment-level layers. While the concept is operationally and economically viable, it calls for the future development of dedicated simulation tools to support its complex, integrated scenarios. Renewablization thus presents a compelling alternative to coal phase-out—aligning legacy industries with climate goals while maintaining their strategic value.