Assess the technical and economic feasibility of decarbonizing steel, cement, chemicals, and aluminum — industries responsible for approximately 30% of global CO2 emissions — and identify the primary barriers to transition.

Technology readiness level (TRL) assessment of low-carbon production pathways across four hard-to-abate sectors. Cost curve analysis using BloombergNEF and IRENA data. Policy landscape review across 40 major industrial economies. Case study analysis of first-mover projects (HYBRIT steel, Heidelberg Materials carbon-neutral cement).

5 GtCO2 annually — more than the entire US economy. Green hydrogen-based direct reduced iron (DRI) for steel is technically proven but costs $150–200/tonne premium over conventional production. Carbon capture for cement is at TRL 7-8 but requires $80–120/tonne CO2 subsidy to be economic.

The green premium — the cost difference between conventional and low-carbon industrial production — ranges from 20% to 150% depending on sector and geography. Without carbon pricing or industrial policy mandates, market forces will not drive this transition in the required timeframe.