Energy-Efficient and Low-Carbon Industrial Combustion with Alternative Fuels

Industrial combustion is central to power generation, steel-making, cement production, chemical processing, and manufacturing, where it supports high-temperature processes and represents a substantial share of global energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. The transition to low-carbon production has increased interest in hydrogen, ammonia, biofuels, synthetic fuels, and low-carbon fuel blends as alternatives to conventional fossil fuels. However, their different chemical and physical properties can affect ignition, flame stability, combustion dynamics, heat transfer, pollutant formation, material compatibility, and operational safety. Recent progress in optical diagnostics, high-fidelity numerical modelling, artificial intelligence, and advanced process control is creating new opportunities to improve combustion performance and energy utilization. Nevertheless, further research is needed to connect fundamental knowledge of alternative-fuel combustion with the requirements of complex industrial systems, including fuel flexibility, reliable operation, scalability, emissions compliance, and integration with broader low-carbon manufacturing pathways.This Research Topic aims to advance the development of efficient, reliable, and low-carbon industrial combustion systems through interdisciplinary research spanning combustion science, thermal engineering, emissions control, process optimization, and industrial energy integration. It will address how alternative fuels and fuel blends influence combustion behavior, thermal performance, pollutant emissions, and system operation under realistic industrial conditions. Studies may also examine how improved burner concepts, oxygen-enriched or oxy-fuel operation, digital monitoring, artificial intelligence, and process control can support the safe and cost-effective deployment of low-carbon combustion technologies. Particular attention will be given to approaches that demonstrate clear potential for industrial application and contribute to energy efficiency, emissions reduction, and carbon-neutral or carbon-free production.To gather further insights in industrial combustion systems using alternative fuels and low-carbon technologies, this Research Topic welcomes studies focused on fundamental mechanisms, technology development, system integration, and industrial validation. Contributions may address, but are not limited to, the following themes:• Hydrogen, ammonia, biofuel, synthetic fuel, and blended-fuel combustion;• Oxygen-enriched and oxy-fuel combustion technologies;• Industrial burner design and combustion optimization;• Flame dynamics, combustion stability, ignition, and extinction;• Radiative heat transfer and thermal efficiency enhancement;• Pollutant formation and emissions reduction strategies;• Digitalization, AI-assisted combustion monitoring and control;• Process integration for low-carbon manufacturing;• Carbon-neutral and carbon-free industrial energy systems;• Experimental, numerical, and theoretical studies related to industrial combustion and energy efficiency.The Research Topic welcomes original research articles, reviews, mini-reviews, perspectives, and case studies. Contributions that bridge fundamental combustion science and industrial applications are particularly encouraged. Topic editors: Zhenhua An, Junyi Li, Yu Xia Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/83424/energy-efficient-and-low-carbon-industrial-combustion-with-alternative-fuels