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The iNTERNatiONal Energy Agency recently announced it would produce the world ’ s first comprehensive roadmap for the energy sector to reach nett-zero emissions by 2050 as it further strengthens its leadership role in global clean energy transitions .
The new special report , The World ’ s Roadmap to Nett Zero by 2050 , will detail what is needed from governments , companies , investors and citizens to fully decarbonise the energy sector and put emissions on a path in line with a temperature rise of 1.5 degrees Celsius .
It is part of a series of new IEA projects to support efforts to reach global energy and climate goals .
This new roadmap will be released on May 18 and build momentum ahead of the COP26 Summit in Glasgow in November , under the United Kingdom ’ s presidency .
Dozens of countries – including most of the world ’ s largest economies – and many leading companies have already announced plans to bring their emissions down to zero by around the middle of this century .
But much work remains to be done to translate these ambitious targets into actual reductions in emissions .
“ The energy that powers our daily lives and our economies also produces three-quarters of global emissions . This means our climate challenge is essentially an energy challenge . The IEA is determined to tackle that challenge and lead global clean energy transitions ,” said Dr Fatih Birol , the IEA ’ s Executive Director .
“ Our roadmap to nett zero can
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play a vital role in helping countries identify and implement the actions needed to achieve climate , energy security and affordability goals . Nothing short of a total transformation of our energy infrastructure will be required . That calls for decisive action this year , next year and indeed every year to 2050 .”
Engagement with major economies
COP26 President Alok Sharma said : “ The IEA ’ s plan to produce a pathway to nett-zero global emissions by 2050 is another important step for climate action . This will make clear the actions countries must take individually and collectively to meet that goal .”
Driving a more potent global consensus on nett-zero ' s pathway will be a crucial priority for the IEA over the coming years . The Agency also intends to improve global clean energy transitions in other significant areas through 2021 and beyond .
It will expand efforts to support its members and partners in meeting their climate ambitions , and play a more significant role in tracking national commitments . This includes working with governments to develop more robust mechanisms that build confidence that they are not alone in taking the necessary steps to keep their climate promises .
The IEA also announced that reinvigorating international energy cooperation will be a significant theme of the 2nd IEA Clean Energy Transitions Summit , following the first event held last year .
This year ’ s Summit will be cohosted
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with the UK Government on March 31 . It will focus on how governments can work together more effectively to ensure long-term net-zero targets are translated into concrete action in the run-up to COP26 .
“ International collaboration is at the heart of the UK ’ s COP26 Presidency , and I am proud that the UK Government will co-host the COP26-IEA Clean Energy Transitions Summit to help accelerate the global shift to clean , affordable and resilient energy ,” said Sharma .
In parallel , the IEA will continue to support a secure and inclusive global energy system .
It announced a new high-level global commission headed by Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen of Denmark . It will bring together government leaders , ministers and prominent thinkers to explore how best to empower citizens to benefit from the opportunities and navigate the disruptions resulting from clean energy transitions .
The new commission , Our Inclusive Energy Future , will consider the social and economic impacts on individuals and communities and issues of affordability and fairness , to put people at the heart of clean energy transitions .
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International collaboration
The commission ’ s meetings will be chaired by Danish Energy , Climate and Utilities Minister Dan Jørgensen , resulting in critical recommendations in advance of COP26 .
The IEA ’ s special projects for 2021 also include the release next week
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Dr Fatih Birol
of new global data on emissions of methane , a potent greenhouse gas , along with a detailed guide for policymakers and regulators seeking to increase their ambitions to cut those emissions .
To help ensure countries and companies are well prepared to accelerate the deployment of new technologies , the IEA will produce a new special report in April on The Role of Critical Minerals in Clean Energy Transitions .
The IEA remains committed to deepening its engagement with major emerging economies – such as Brazil , China , India , Indonesia and South Africa – and supporting them to develop and implement policies to reach their energy and climate goals .
To help ensure that clean energy technologies are available to all countries , the Agency will also publish a special report on Financing Clean Energy Transitions in Developing Economies .
It will be produced in collaboration with the World Bank and the World Economic Forum ( WEF ) and released at the WEF ’ s Special Annual Meeting 2021 in Singapore in late May .
“ Taken together , the projects we are announcing reflect our commitment to lead the global clean energy transitions at a critical time . We want to address the challenge of climate change with sustainable , resilient and secure energy systems ,” said Dr Birol . — @ green
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