Towards a Greener Industry Sector

The decarbonisation of the industry sector is crucial to the achievement of national climate targets and hence of the Paris climate goal more broadly. Germany seeks to reach carbon neutrality in 2045, New Zealand in 2050. In Germany, the industry sector accounted for 22% of its total emissions in 2022, in New Zealand the industry sector was responsible for 12.25% of total emissions in the same year. This comparative study identifies key levers for accelerating industrial decarbonisation efforts in both countries and makes suggestions for bilateral cooperation on these key challenges.

While the industrial landscapes of both countries differ in some aspects, mainly in regards to Germany’s bigger and more diversified industrial base, some common challenges can be identified. Emissions from metal production and processing, chemical and petroleum manufacturing and the dairy industry contribute a large part to either country’s overall industrial greenhouse gas emissions. Accordingly, a range of exchange fora in specific sectors are recommended with the goal of facilitating knowledge sharing and mutual learning in the pursuit of a decarbonised industrial sector.