The industrial sector plays a vital role in the national economies of the ESCWA region and consumes some 25 per cent of total energy. This study is the first volume of a two-part study assessing the role of the industrial sector in the national economies of the region; current energy consumption trends in selected energyintensive industries; and economically feasible options for improving energy efficiency in these industries. The study assesses energy consumption in several sectors, including the cement industry, steel industry, fertilizer manufacturing and glass manufacturing. In order to improve energy efficiency, the industrial sector in the region can benefit from a number of international donor agencies related to upgrading production technologies.