Technology has the potential to accelerate the transition of the energy sector to a low-carbon and clean energy system and contribute to meeting ambitious climate targets in time and in a just and equitable manner. But what will this look like in practice? At its core, the digital transformation of the energy sector will require cooperation, data sharing, and investment at an unprecedented scale. With immense benefits, especially in energy efficiency, this cross-sector collaboration is key for industry development.

Attendee insights:

Hear from industry leaders on how they plan to navigate the digitalisation of energy and how they are setting up their businesses, in particular workforces, for success in the digital era.

According to the World Economic Forum, heavy industry accounts for one-third of global energy use and one-quarter of global GHG emissions. Steel, cement and chemicals are the three highest emitters and amongst the most difficult to decarbonise, due to both technical and economic factors.  Close collaboration among producers, technology providers and users can open new decarbonisation solutions and potentially enable cost savings that are challenging to achieve. Favourable government policies also have a role to play in unlocking viable path to decarbonisation solutions.

In this Action Session, we will examine what can be done to decarbonise heavy emitting sectors including collaboration opportunities and favourable industry policies.

The ability of nuclear energy to provide low-carbon electricity, hydrogen, and high-grade heat makes it a versatile source that can contribute significantly to decarbonising heavy-emitting sectors and helping achieve global climate goals. With more than 20 nations signing the Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy, this joint commitment underscores the global recognition of nuclear energy's part in global net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. However, risks such as safety, environmental and geopolitical issues must be addressed to secure its place as a reliable source of energy given its steady baseload power, 24/7 availability, and long operating lifetime.

 Attendee insights:

Understand the potential for nuclear energy and its role as a lower-carbon energy source in the new energy systems.

The absence of clear international standards and certifications, defining what constitutes clean hydrogen, is causing market confusion and uncertainty. Variations in production methods and feedstocks results in significant differences in validating the carbon footprint of hydrogen. Robust international certification is required to ensure global industry standards and a common baseline for clean and low emission product qualifications. To ensure market integrity and fair competition, how can hydrogen producers and buyers collaborate with regulatory authorities to align, monitor and report clean hydrogen standards?

Attendee insights:

Gain a better understanding of why international standards and certifications to define clean hydrogen are critical in the development of the hydrogen economy, and how the standardisation of a cohesive and transparent hydrogen market, based on globally agreed standards, will build trust among stakeholders.

Startups are at the forefront of developing affordable, efficient and reliable clean energy technologies driving innovation, securing investment, influencing policy, developing talent, and embracing digitalisation and sustainability – all of which are critical to meeting global climate goals. However, startups face challenges such as high upfront capital to develop, test, and scale their technologies, limited access to investment and funding, high levels of competition, and digital technology scalability. With the right investors, partners and collaborators, many companies considered startups today could be key players in the new clean energy system.

Attendee insights:

Understand how clean energy startups are uniquely positioned to add value in the clean energy future with the right innovation and investment.