Clean energy and climate protection.

 

To set the world on a path to achieve climate goals while fostering growth, energy ecosystems in all countries and regions must be profoundly transformed. The energy transition we actually need extends beyond the energy sector and intersects with all facets of society, from infrastructure, industry and agriculture to transport, housing and communications, potentially reshaping the way we produce, consume and live. There are no onesize-fits-all solutions; instead, each country and region requires tailored energy transition pathways based on technological advancements, fuel substitution, electrification and decarbonization. In addition, concerns about energy security have evolved to encompass resilience, diversification of supply, climate change, the energy-water-foodnexus, shifts in supply chains and access to critical minerals and metals. Key technologies drivingthe energy transition are converging, disrupting the energy landscape and reshaping the sector as they gain traction. While increasing the share of renewable electrification in the energy mix is a common goal, significant disparities exist in the deployment of specific key technologies across different regions. To accelerate a more equitable and comprehensive energy transition and promote cleaner production systems in industry, it is essential to mobilize industry leaders, while also empowering SMEs, entrepreneurs, women, workers and the next generation. Their involvement is crucial for the development and implementation of innovative energy production and energy-saving solutions in industry. Countries, especially in the Global South, must anticipate the changing energy needs of industry (e.g. the shift from hydrocarbons to electricity and other sustainable alternatives). Strategies should be developed accordingly to secure green energy supplies for industry. Furthermore, the international development community must support countries in establishing ambitious regional, national and global clean energy targets as outlined in the United Nations Global Roadmap for Accelerated SDG 7 Action and help translate these into national legislation, policies and development programmes. Developing countries need support in partnership building and in attracting investments to build the infrastructure necessary for diversified clean energy production. Relevant green energy solutions shall include, in particular, green hydrogen, solar thermal energy, solar voltaic, wind energy, biomass, geothermal energy, hydropower, and efficient power grids and flexible energy transfer solutions. Industry in both developing and developed countries must also adopt energy-saving and energy-efficient solutions, including investing in energy-efficient machinery and equipment, using smart grids and energy storage solutions, implementing on-site solar and wind energy, harnessing on-site energy from residue and waste, and optimizing energy savings in transport. In addition, industry must focus on sustainable extraction and production of critical minerals and metals essential for electrolysis and other largescale clean and renewable energy solutions. including EVs. Industry needs to be incentivised to introduce sustainable mining and cleaner production protocols. Energy-intensive industries, such as steel and metals, cement, chemicals and fertilizers, need to embrace new energy-saving technologies and on-site energy generation methods and more energy-efficient production and supply. Another critical area of support for developing countries is the establishment of eco-industrial parks and sustainable special economic zones, designed to enhance industrial production efficiency, while minimizing environmental impact in line with circular economy principles. This includes support for master planning, the development of effective park management systems, business planning and technology transfer to the firms involved.