Electrification and decarbonization in global brewing industry driven by industrial heat pumps

Global alcoholic drink market exceeds $1.5 trillion annually, with significant energy consumption and CO2 emissions. This study systematically evaluates the thermal energy demand of beer and spirits production (with Chinese Baijiu as a representative), and quantifies the annual heat consumption and carbon emissions of some global brewing industries. Results indicate that, under coal-fired boiler heating, annual CO2 emissions from global beer and Chinese Baijiu production could reach 34.54 Mt and 4.41 Mt, respectively. Against this backdrop, the study analyzes the technical suitability of industrial heat pumps (IHPs) in key processes such as mashing, boiling, distillation, and cleaning, and develops a multi-regional techno-economic and carbon reduction assessment model. Findings reveal that IHPs offer significant lifecycle decarbonization potential up to 15.94–19.66 Mt CO2 annually in beer production and 1.63–2.51 Mt CO2 in Chinese Baijiu production. Under a 100 % renewable electricity supply, “net-zero” brewing is technically feasible. With carbon taxation, IHPs show superior cost-effectiveness compared to conventional boilers. Building on real-world case studies and policy contexts, this study proposes a phased promotion roadmap for 2025–2060 and envisions future applications in smart energy supply, deep process integration, and zero-carbon industrial parks. The results provide theoretical support and strategic guidance for the low-carbon transition of global brewing industry.