Net Zero Technology: Innovation Priorities 2025-2035 | May 2025
Net zero: Progress at Pace
National net zero targets may seem a long way into the future. But we can’t reach them unless we move right now. As the climate crisis escalates, what we do over the next ten years has critical implications for global warming and the impacts on human life that involves.
The need to deliver an integrated decarbonised energy system has never been more pressing. The climate crisis is urgent and the Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC) is on a mission to respond. We are already recognised as a global centre of excellence for energy and possess all the necessary resources and expertise to become an international energy hub in the long term. NZTC, with existing strong links in the energy sector and a track record of delivering impactful programmes, is poised to support the UK in securing a critical early advantage in the sector.
The current static, centralised and siloed systems no longer work and they need to be transformed into flexible, sustainable, end-user focused networks. There is a need for equally versatile and transformative energy vectors to support this. This huge challenge can be addressed through at-pace development and deployment of four strategic technology areas, all underpinned by digital technologies:
We need to innovate to get there
The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that by 2050, 35% of the projected global greenhouse gas abatement requirements will need to come from technologies that are currently not commercially available. And critically, it is fast progress within these areas that will deliver global energy transition ambitions.
To achieve that and overcome the challenges in pulling through the new technologies that are needed, collaborative models are essential. NZTC has a wealth of experience in enabling collaboration with academic and industry partners across various sectors to develop talent, create public/private partnerships and deliver impactful outcomes to industry.
With a team of experts in various fields, NZTC brings substantial experience in managing complex projects. NZTC has a proven track record of successful project deployment, with 162 field trials completed, planned or underway on industry partner assets. This demonstrates NZTC’s capability to drive innovation from concept to implementation.
Additionally, NZTC has established strong partnerships with leading energy companies and technology innovators, ensuring our technology development programmes are aligned with the needs of industry. This network facilitates the sharing of knowledge, resources and expertise which is essential for pioneering new technologies.
