CCE Director Dr Paul Jefferiss will speak remotely on ‘Low-Carbon Technology Innovation and Industrial Practice’ at a COP30 event at the China Pavilion (Blue zone) on Saturday 15 November 2025. He will also share his insights on the Chinese Enterprises’ First Report on Contribution to Global Security Initiative.
Paul will address the urgent need for industrial innovation to accelerate the energy transition as global greenhouse gas emissions and temperatures continue to rise. Despite major investment in low-carbon energy, fossil fuel use remains high, particularly in emerging economies. He will stress the importance of enhancing existing technologies—such as energy efficiency, renewables, methane control, and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS)—over focusing solely on fundamental research.
He will also highlight how digitisation, big data analytics, and AI can optimise energy systems, and emphasise the need for strong government support through policy, research funding, and a predictable carbon price. Building institutional capacity, new business models, and workforce skills will be vital to drive effective low-carbon innovation.
“Technological progress alone isn’t enough. We need clear policies, consistent carbon pricing, and investment in people and institutions to turn innovation into transformation. Industrial decarbonisation must become the engine of sustainable growth.”
Dr Paul Jefferiss
In addition, following a significant announcement from the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) at COP30 in Belém, Brazil—marking the release of Chinese Enterprises’ First Report on Contribution to the Global Security Initiative—Paul has been invited to share his expert insights on strategies for balancing energy security with the low-carbon transition and on SGCC’s approach to integrating renewable energy and promoting the principle that green development enhances global security.
The events form part of a broader showcase of China’s commitment to green transformation and sustainable development. They are guided by China’s Department of Climate Change of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and co-hosted by the Chinese Academy of Environmental Sciences, the Environmental Development Center of the MEE, the China Federation of Industrial Economics (CFIE), and the China Industrial Development Promotion Association, with support from the Rongzhi Institute (RZCSRI).
Photo: :copyright: UN Climate Change – Kiara Worth CC BY-NC-SA 4.0