Closing the Gap: A Global Perspective

In November 2021 at COP26 in Glasgow, the world united in a key message: more must be done to align with the Paris Agreement and avoid an irreversible 2°C global temperature rise.  

During COP26, twelve esteemed research and technology organisations, led by the Net Zero Technology Centre, launched an international research study to outline and compare approaches from traditionally oil and gas producing basins as they transition to net zero integrated energy systems.

Our latest report ‘Closing the Gap: A Global Perspective’ identifies global innovation priorities across traditional hydrocarbon basins, including blue and green hydrogen, offshore wind, oil and gas electrification, digital transformation technologies, and carbon capture and storage to achieve the Paris Agreement emissions targets and create integrated net zero energy systems. 

The report prioritises five international collaboration actions to accelerate technology innovation and deployment internationally and achieve net zero as quickly, efficiently and affordably as possible: 

1. Hydrogen innovation at the pace and scale needed requires more collaboration, testing, and demonstration facilities.
2. Carbon Capture cost reduction will be achieved through the development of novel materials.  
3. Floating offshore wind can be boosted by collaboration on innovative and standardised modular substructures.
4. Internationally aligned grid connection and transmission infrastructure will improve energy security. 
5. Shared industry data trust can unlock rapid development and adoption of new net zero solutions to decarbonise industries globally.