The International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned today that a global goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 will not be met without a huge acceleration in clean energy innovation.
The 2015 United Nations sponsored Paris Agreement set a target to curb global warming and reach net zero emissions in the second half of the century.
Reuters Newsagency reports in a special report, the IEA analysed more than 400 clean energy technologies and said that although renewable technologies in use now can deliver a large amount of emissions reductions, they are not enough on their own.
It found that there are currently few technologies available for reducing emissions to zero in sectors such as shipping, trucking, aviation and heavy industries.
“Without decarbonising the transport sector there is no chance whatsoever of meeting climate targets,” IEA executive director Dr Fatih Birol told Reuters.
“Around half of emissions reductions that are needed still require major innovation of clean technologies.
“Whatever we do with renewables will not be enough on their own and it will be all but impossible to meet net zero by 2050,” he added.
The IEA said he unprecedented health emergency and economic crisis triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic risked to be a setback for clean energy innovation efforts at a time in which faster progress is needed.
The four most critical clean technologies needing innovation are battery technologies, carbon capture and storage, bioenergy and low-carbon hydrogen, which are currently mostly in the development phase and/or costly.
The report also offers five key innovation principles for delivering net-zero emissions.
It highlights issues requiring immediate attention, such as the importance of governments maintaining research and development funding at planned levels through 2025 and considering raising it in strategic areas.
Global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are expected to be eight per cent lower this year than in 2019, their lowest level since 2010, as energy demand has slumped due to the coronavirus pandemic, but they are likely to rebound as economies recover unless action is taken.
Although there are likely to be less funds available for bringing new technologies to market right now, economic recovery plans being developed by a range of countries provide an opportunity for governments to support clean energy technology progress, the IEA said.
EcoNews is an independent publication that relies on contributions from its readers.
WE’RE BUILDING A PLATFORM WITH A CLEAR FOCUS ON THE ENVIRONMENT, CULTURAL AND SOCIAL GOOD. CONTRIBUTE AND TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE AN IMPACT.
If you value EcoNews, but are unable to contribute via sponsorship or advertising we ask that you promote our online store The Native Shop – www.nativeshop.com.au via your social media to assist us to fund this valuable service.
