This paper outlines a policy-relevant research agenda to accelerate industrial decarbonisation in the UK.

This journal article was originally published in Sustainability Science.

This paper outlines a policy-relevant research agenda to accelerate industrial decarbonisation in the UK. It highlights recent policy progress, which has largely focused on energy-intensive industrial clusters, and briefly reviews existing research on technologies, sectors, policies, and economic and social dimensions.

Four priority areas are proposed for future research:

  • Decarbonising dispersed industrial sites
  • Enabling electrification
  • Developing markets for low carbon products
  • Advancing resource efficiency.

The agenda emphasises the need for integrated technical, economic, and social research to support policy evolution and industry readiness. By addressing these gaps, the UK can foster a just, cost-effective transition to a low carbon industrial sector, ensuring long-term environmental and economic sustainability.

Publication details

Taylor, P., Rattle, I. A policy-relevant research agenda to support accelerated industrial decarbonisation in the UK. Sustain Sci (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11625-026-01804-0