IDSH Research
The UC Davis Industrial Decarbonization Solutions Hub (IDSH) advances research that delivers practical, scalable solutions to reduce industrial greenhouse gas emissions. Our work spans fundamental analysis, applied technology development, and deployment-focused studies.
Major Research Areas
Decarbonization Tools
We support the development, demonstration, and training of advanced decision-support tools. These tools help industrial facilities identify energy efficiency opportunities, plan electrification pathways, and calculate the cost of carbon abatement. By deploying these resources, IDSH enables companies to make data-driven decisions about their decarbonization strategies.
Process-Integrated Industrial Heat Pumps
Electrified heating technologies such as industrial heat pumps are among the most promising solutions for reducing emissions from low-temperature processes. Our research focuses on optimal sizing, integration with thermal storage, and the use of climate-friendly refrigerants. By combining advanced system modeling with real-world demonstrations, IDSH is helping to bring industrial heat pumps from concept to commercial scale.
Industrial Load Flexibility
Decarbonization is not only about reducing emissions—it is also about improving how industry interacts with the power grid. Our work on industrial load flexibility explores ways to align manufacturing energy demand with renewable generation, enabling industry to reduce costs, increase resilience, and provide critical support for a clean electric grid.
Drivers of CO₂ Emissions
Understanding emissions trends is essential for targeting solutions. IDSH researchers analyze changes in U.S. manufacturing and electricity systems over time, decomposing the drivers of CO₂ emissions to reveal which policies, technologies, and fuel shifts have had the greatest impact. This research informs industry, government, and utilities on where future decarbonization efforts will have the greatest effect.
Publications
Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles
Spatial Life Cycle Assessment and Technoeconomic Analysis of Industrial Heat Pumps in the United States — Maria Kanwal, Muhammad Ali Qamar, Kurt Kornbluth, and John Kelly Kissock. Cleaner Environmental Systems (2025)
Circularity of Lithium-Ion Battery Materials in Electric Vehicles — Jessica Dunn, Margaret Slattery, Alissa Kendall, Hanjiro Ambrose, and Shuhan Shen. Environmental Science & Technology (2021)
IDSH White Papers
The True Value of Energy Efficiency in the Transition to Zero CO₂ Emissions — Kelly Kissock. Industrial Decarbonization Solutions Hub (2023)
In Pursuit of Clean Electricity — Kelly Kissock. Industrial Decarbonization Solutions Hub (2023)
Thinking Bigger: Economic Optimization for Climate Change — Kelly Kissock. Industrial Decarbonization Solutions Hub (2024)
