Five years at the forefront of innovation

The past year continued to bring global disruption as the pandemic affected nearly every part of life and business. In response, the Net Zero Technology Centre adapted, evolved and delivered.

2021 marked a defining moment for us. We changed our name from OGTC to the Net Zero Technology Centre to fully reflect our mission: developing and deploying technology to drive an affordable transition to net zero. This was more than a name change. It aligned our purpose, investment strategy and partnerships with the urgent need for change.

With net zero targets fast approaching, momentum is building. We were awarded £16.5 million from the Scottish Government’s Energy Transition Fund to launch our Net Zero Technology Transition Programme. It is expected to generate £403 billion for the economy and over 21,000 jobs by 2050. This programme will deliver seven major projects designed to support Scotland’s net zero ambitions.

We also took part in a historic global moment. At COP26 in Glasgow, our three-day fringe event, The Road to Glasgow: Destination Net Zero, welcomed virtual and in-person audiences from around the world. The programme provided vision and direction to close technology gaps and accelerate the path to an integrated net zero energy system.

Our TechX accelerator welcomed its first clean energy-only cohort, with more than 40 percent of startups led or co-led by women. With new partners Accenture and ADNOC joining bp and Equinor, the programme demonstrated the industry’s continued commitment to supporting clean tech innovation.

February 2022 marked our fifth anniversary. It was a moment to reflect on our progress and renew our determination to lead the way in a just, technology-driven energy transition.