International cooperation

• An increase in practical international cooperation in recent years is observed.
• Progress in deploying the necessary technologies, including:
  • Doubling of EV sales in 2021 from the previous year to a new record of 6.6 million
  • A forecast increase in global renewable capacity of 8% in 2022, breaking through the 300GW mark for the first time and powering approximately 225 million homes
  • A forecast global electricity generation cost reduction of at least 10%.
  • According to IEA research, without international cooperation, the shift to net zero global emissions might take decades.
  • In addition to immediate emissions reductions, improved coordination will result in a speedier and less expensive transformation.
  • According to IRENA, an energy transition linked with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C may provide about 85 million new employment by 2030.

Importance of international cooperation

• Without international cooperation, the critical global shift to net zero emissions might take decades.
• The earlier the transformation occurs, the faster clean technology will be delivered at a reduced cost, making them available to everybody.
• This is especially important in light of recent substantial increases in global energy and food costs.

Recommendations for Leaders to Discuss at the Global Clean Energy Action Forum

• The report makes 25 suggestions for leaders to consider during the Global Clean Energy Action Forum and the 13th Clean Energy Ministerial, both of which will be hosted in Pittsburgh, United States, from September 21-23, 2022.
• These include:
  • Extend the scope of solutions and raise the contribution of variable renewables by demonstrating and testing flexible low-carbon power systems.
  • This decade, build new cross-border super grids to promote commerce in low-carbon power, cut emissions, improve energy security, and increase system flexibility.
  • Establish new worldwide knowledge centres to channel finance and technical assistance to assist coal-producing countries in their transition.
  • Agree on a single definition and target dates for all new road vehicles to be net zero, with cars and vans aiming for 2035 and heavy-duty vehicles aiming for the 2040s.
  • Mobilize investment in charging infrastructure, with a focus on poor nations, and harmonise international charging standards to promote investment and speed adoption internationally.
  • Standards to improve battery recyclability and accelerate research into alternate battery chemistries to lessen dependency on precious metals such as cobalt and lithium.
  • Government policies and private-sector purchase commitments to promote demand for and deployment of low-carbon and renewable hydrogen, as well as standards to facilitate worldwide commerce, are all being implemented.
  • Commitments by the public and commercial sectors to acquire near-zero emission steel, as well as steps to level the playing field among steel-producing nations.
  • Investment in agricultural technology and farming methods can reduce emissions from livestock and fertilisers, increase the availability of alternative proteins, and hasten the development of climate-resilient crops.
  • International standards for monitoring and reporting on the condition of agricultural natural resources, including soil health, soil carbon content, and pollinator health.