A preliminary bottom-up analysis of the energy use in the chemical industry has been performed, using a model containing datasets on production processes for 52 of the most important bulk chemicals as well as production volumes for these chemicals. The processes analysed are shown to cover between 70% and 100% of the total energy use in the chemical sector. Energy use and the heat effects of the reactions taking place are separately quantified. The processes are also compared with energetically-ideal processes following the stoichometric reactions. The comparison shows that there is significant room for process improvements, both in the direction of more selective processes and in the direction of further energy-savings. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.