Finding the pathway to fast decarbonization.
We need the fastest transition through all means possible of the low carbon options, but we have to be highly conscious of the possible lock-in risks in investments and where we might deflect our research and development. We need to stay highly focused on taking us into the future of achieving net-zero emissions. And to be very aware of this “lock-in effect” if we chose the wrong transformation pathway.
The technology mix to decarbonize each economy and industry reliant is tough to navigate. Organizations like the IEA need to be turned to for the best advice, not specific solution providers pushing their solutions on a narrow pathway of their focus.
By rethinking how they re-designate technology innovation, the IEA makes for a substantial shift in our thinking.
A report from the IEA regroups the policy measures and designations by families of key technologies. The report IEA report “Energy Technology perspective: Special Report on Clean Energy Innovation,” released on July 2nd, 2020, regroups technologies on similar technology attributes to provide specific focus areas.
To quote from the report: “Within each of these families, knowledge and application spillovers hold significant potential to accelerate innovation if linkages are exploited: against this background, the section provides some concrete suggestions for action for each family of technologies to help policymakers to integrate tailored approaches for priority technology areas into overall strategies.”
Technology families:
- Electrochemistry: modular cells for converting between electricity and chemicals.
- CO2 capture: processes to separate CO2 from industrial and power sector emissions or the air.
- Heating and cooling: efficient and flexible designs for electrification.
- Catalysis: more efficient industrial processes for converting biomass and CO2 to products.
- Lightweighting: lighter materials and their integration in wind energy and vehicles.
- Digital: integration of data and communication to make energy systems flexible and efficient.
The list above is not intended to be exhaustive. Still, it covers the types of solutions that hold the most promise for advancing value chains involving electrification, hydrogen and hydrogen-based fuels, CCUS, and bioenergy.”
To quote from the report: “Among the other technologies (not specifically mentioned) that all have important roles to play in achieving net-zero emissions are large, scientifically complex technologies such as nuclear, including small modular nuclear reactors, and small-scale, consumer-led technologies such as flexible or buildings-integrated solar PV or high-efficiency motors.
In between these extremes lie geological technologies to enhance geothermal energy, hydrogen storage, or CO2 storage, as well as such high-potential areas as ocean energy, prefabricated net-zero energy building envelopes, and thermal and mechanical energy storage.”
This report is a timely update as our new technology innovation focal point.
Without a major acceleration in clean energy innovation, the net-zero ambitions on emissions will not be achieved.
The mix of many technology innovative solutions needs not just further discovery; it needs translating into scalable solutions—the “stark disconnect” of the “walk and the talk” around net-zero needs significant resolution.
By updating and giving innovation guidance, the IEA is becoming the central focal point for our need to relate, understand, and collaborate to deliver clean energy technologies.
View the IEA report here: “Energy Technology perspective: Special Report on Clean Energy Innovation” released mid-2020.
