Energy in industrial decarbonisation: renewables and hydrogen
Tuesday, 5th December 2023, from 09:10 to 10:30 h. CET (UTC+1)
Online event
The industrial sector represents approximately 24% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the IPCC’s AR6 Synthesis Report of the Sixth Assessment Report. Industrial decarbonisation is fundamental to accomplish the climate goals set in the Paris agreement, and an effective phase-out from fossil fuels needs to take place. The deployment of renewable energy and other energy vectors will enable this process. In particular, vectors such as renewable hydrogen and biogas, together with other storage technologies, will become essential for the decarbonisation of energy-intensive industries, which are embedded in many strategic value chains.
The European Union, and in particular Spain, are very well positioned for the development of these technologies, which are not only beneficial from an environmental perspective, but also bring along great economic opportunities. The strong commitment of Spain with the deployment of renewable energy, reflected in the latest update of its NECP, has led to lower energy prices which attract investment and boost the competitiveness of those firms established in Spanish territory. This commitment also extends to vectors like renewable hydrogen; Spain invested €1,5 billion from the Strategic Projects for Economic Recovery and Transformation (PERTE), which mobilised €2,8 billion of private investment, to foster renewable hydrogen deployment.
The challenges and opportunities surrounding the energy transition go beyond borders, and those of industrial decarbonisation are no exception. In this context, public-private cooperation and international alliances gain importance as a key factor for success in the ultimate goal of accomplishing climate neutrality. Projects like the H2Med, which will transport 2 Mt of hydrogen per year by 2030, or the signature of Memorandums of Understanding, such as the one signed between Spain and the Netherlands, will be a basic element for the effective development of these technologies.
In this event, participants will explore the challenges that the decarbonisation of industry poses, as well as the potential of solutions like electrification or use of energy vectors for those industries hard to decarbonise, and the positive economic impact that these technologies may generate. Participants will have the chance to listen to successful cases of industrial decarbonisation from main actors in the Spanish industry, and to gain understanding on the importance of partnerships and cooperation in fostering the development of these key technologies.
Moderators
- Lara Lázaro (Elcano Royal Institute)
- Joan Groizard (IDAE)
Speakers
Initial Remarks
- Sara Aagesen / Secretary of State for Energy of the Government of Spain
Presentation of Cases
- Maarten Wetselaar / Cepsa
- Sonia Thimmiah / Heineken
Roundtable 1:
- Sonia Thimmiah / Heineken
- David Redoli / Solaria
- Carlos Barrasa / Cepsa
- Luis Cabrera / ANESE
Roundtable 2:
- Roland Roesch / IRENA
- Cristina Lobillo / DG ENER Comission
- Joan Batalla / Sedigas
- Lucas Arangüena / Santander
You can follow the event here.
Energy transition ambition at COP28 and beyond
Tuesday, 5th December 2023, from 13:30 to 14:10 h. CET (UTC+1)
Online event
Energy production and consumption account for over three quarters of global greenhouse gas emissions according to the International Energy Agency. Ambitious energy goals and commitments, such as trebling renewables, doubling energy efficiency, reducing methane of the fossil fuel industry and major producers by 75% by 2030, and phasing out fossil fuels, are essential to limit the worst impacts of climate change. This event emphasizes the significance of setting bold energy goals during climate change summits -that are accompanied by energy transition plans- and achieving said goals once climate summits are over, in alignment with the UNSG Integrity Matters report.
Climate summits provide an opportunity to drive the transition to clean, renewable energy sources, reduce emissions, and propel a sustainable energy future while ensuring no one is left behind. Ambitious energy goals and commitments are increasingly being made by governments, and stakeholders to accelerate the shift to renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, and hence reduce carbon emissions. The event explores these trends, emphasizing the momentum behind ambitious energy initiatives and the vital role of clean energy in addressing the climate crisis.
The event provides a platform for sharing insights of successful energy transition strategies, key challenges faced (including social acceptance of renewable deployment and accelerating permitting) and solutions for accelerating the adoption of clean energy sources. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge about the importance of setting ambitious energy goals to mitigate climate change and delivers sustainable, low-carbon future. This event is a significant step toward uniting global efforts in the transition to clean energy and achieving climate goals.
Moderator
- Lara Lázaro Touza / Senior Analyst at the Elcano Royal Institute
Speakers
- Erik Solheim / Planning for Climate Commissioner / Green Hydrogen Organization advisor,and former Minister of Development and Climate of Norway
- Sandra Guzman Luna / Founder of the Climate Finance Group for Latin America and the Caribbean (GFCLAC)
- José Donoso / General Director of UNEF
- Heikki Wilstedt / Energy Policies and Climate Change Director at the Spanish Wind Energy Association
- Tim Gould / Chief Energy Economist / IEA
Closing Remark
- Sara Aagesen Muñoz / Secretary of State for Energy / Government of Spain
You can follow the event here.
