The Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC) and its international partners have recently introduced the innovative Technology Without Borders initiative during the COP28 conference. This initiative aims to bridge the energy technology gap between nations in the Global North and the Global South. The initiative embodies a ‘just and inclusive’ ethos and aims to facilitate technology transfer, local adaptation and deployment, support knowledge sharing, and bolster local supply chains to accelerate the transition to net zero.
Established in 2017 as part of the Aberdeen City Region Deal, the Scotland-based NZTC is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to driving technology innovation in collaboration with industry, government, and academia to achieve net zero emissions. The initiative, announced at COP28, will leverage both new and existing funds to tackle emissions reduction on a global scale and address specific challenges in different regions.
The primary focus of the Technology Without Borders initiative is to enable local technology value chains to be built by developing a pipeline of bankable projects with partners in the Global South. The aim is to target five key projects by 2024 and subsequently scale up rapidly in the following years. There is a call for international financial, industrial, and technology partners to join the initiative and co-develop technology for an equitable transition.
Luca Corradi, Chief Technology Officer of the Net Zero Technology Centre, highlighted the need to prioritize the promotion of economic development opportunities during the energy transition. The Technology Without Borders initiative seeks to address poverty, energy access, and climate change simultaneously by moving the next generation of climate change technologies from low technology readiness level to commercialization on a global scale.
He emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach in promoting, facilitating, and financing technology transfer to developing countries under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The initiative underscores a collective responsibility to realize a sustainable, climate-resilient world and leverage the track record of accelerating the development and deployment of affordable technology solutions, as well as unlocking private investment.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Net Zero and Just Transition Màiri McAllan expressed the Scottish Government’s support for the Technology Without Borders initiative, highlighting the pivotal role of organizations like NZTC in addressing the injustice at the heart of climate change and supporting communities most affected by the climate emergency.
Malcolm Offord, the UK Government Minister for Scotland, echoed the sentiment, underlining the importance of ensuring that developing nations do not bear the brunt of climate disruption. He praised the Technology Without Borders initiative as a fantastic opportunity to deliver innovative and affordable solutions through information sharing, contributing to sustainable economic growth and the achievement of net zero goals.
The launch of the Technology Without Borders initiative signifies a significant step towards bridging the energy technology gap and fostering international cooperation to address the challenges of climate change. The call for global collaboration and solidarity in achieving a sustainable, climate-resilient world underscores the urgency of the energy transition and the collective responsibility to support communities most affected by climate change.
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