CCE Director Dr Paul Jefferiss spoke remotely on ‘Low-Carbon Technology Innovation and Industrial Practice’ at a COP30 event at the China Pavilion (Blue zone) on Saturday 15 November 2025.
In this session, Dr Paul Jefferiss explored the industrial innovation priorities urgently needed to accelerate the global energy transition at a time when greenhouse gas emissions, energy demand, and temperatures continue to climb. Drawing on his experience in the private sector, NGOs, and carbon consultancy—as well as his current leadership roles at the Centre for Climate Engagement and the Greater Southeast Net Zero Hub—he outlined the technologies, policies, and institutional capabilities required to overcome real-world barriers and deploy solutions at scale.
Key points
- Current Climate and Energy Context
Paul stressed the urgency, noting that emissions, atmospheric concentrations, and global temperatures continue to rise despite major efforts. Energy demand is also growing—driven by emerging economies and energy-intensive sectors such as U.S. data centres—while improvements in energy efficiency have slowed.
- Geopolitics and Energy Production
Geopolitical pressures are pushing countries to increase domestic energy production. Some are boosting renewables and electrification, while others are expanding fossil fuel output. Even with large investments in low-carbon energy, global oil and gas use has still grown, particularly in emerging markets.
- Barriers to Progress
Paul emphasised that slow progress stems from political, economic, and cultural barriers—not from a lack of knowledge. Technology is not a silver bullet, but targeted innovation can help overcome real-world obstacles. He urged a focus on scaling and improving existing technologies rather than waiting for breakthrough solutions.
- Technology and Innovation Priorities
Energy efficiency stands out as the fastest, most cost-effective opportunity, especially when supported by digitisation, big data analytics, and AI. Key innovation areas include storage technologies, major renewable sources (solar, wind, wave, tidal), and fossil-related solutions such as CCUS and methane mitigation. Sustainable aviation fuels and low-carbon hydrogen remain longer-term opportunities.
- Government Policy and Market Signals
Effective innovation depends on strong policy support. Paul highlighted the need for research funding, performance standards, and particularly a predictable carbon price—similar to China’s incremental approach—to create market conditions that drive investment and deployment.
- Institutional Capacity and Skills
He concluded by underscoring the need for new institutional capacity, updated business models, robust supply chains, and global partnerships. Equally important is workforce development: skills training and capacity building must keep pace with rapidly evolving energy technologies.
The event was 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).