Abstract: Industrial processes are extraordinarily diverse, so the physical conditions for energy conservation are diverse. The opportunities for conservation also depend on the economic and technological outlook of each industry. This chapter briefly examines the subject as a whole and explores a few examples to a little depth. These issues are touched upon: the structure and trends in use of energy, the thermodynamic factors that influence energy intensity, and examples of technical change enabling the reduction of energy intensity—from operations to conservation equipment to revolutionary changes in manufacturing process. The future of the energy‐intensive industries and energy conservation is also discussed.