The factors underpinning the functioning of global supply chains of clean technologies are quickly changing. While cost-related parameters used to determine almost exclusively the location of manufacturing capabilities and exchange of clean tech components, a new paradigm of global trade and industrial policy is emerging.
Faced with a highly volatile international landscape where energy and clean technologies feature predominantly in some countries’ security and geopolitical toolkit, major actors are putting forward new strategies to reduce excessive dependencies and reshore socio-economic benefits of clean tech manufacturing.
However, global cooperation has been indispensable in driving down costs of clean technologies by creating economies of scale, accelerate innovation and allowing for technology transfer, particularly to developing countries. The return to inward-looking trade and industrial policies may hamper mitigation efforts by slowing down the deployment of clean technologies across the world.
And yet, there is a way to strike a balanced approach. One where countries tackle overdependencies and risks. Not through the build-up of new barriers but through the creation of diversified, balanced and mutually beneficial partnerships based on interdependence. Reconciling global cooperation with emerging demands is crucial to bringing the energy transition to success and, therefore, the need to put forward examples of successful cooperation is imperative.
Objectives
- Analyse the changing dynamics of global supply chains in clean technologies, identifying the factors driving the shift from cost-based models to strategies influenced by security, resilience, and geopolitical considerations.
- Examine the implications of new industrial and trade policies on global cooperation, innovation, and the pace of clean technology deployment, especially in developing countries.
- Identify strategies to balance national interests and global interdependence, exploring how countries can reduce excessive dependencies without resorting to protectionism or new trade barriers.
- Highlight successful examples of international cooperation and partnerships that demonstrate how shared innovation, technology transfer, and mutual benefit can accelerate the global energy transition.
- Promote a vision for a resilient and cooperative global clean tech ecosystem, where diversification, collaboration, and sustainability reinforce one another to ensure the success of the energy transition worldwide.
Moderator
Moderator details coming soon.
Speakers
- Miguel Rodrigo. Director of Spain’s Energy Agency
- Justine Garrett. Acting Multilateral Climate Engagement Manager at the IEA
- Phil Cole. Director of Industrial Affairs at Wind Europe
- Rana Ghoneim. Director at the Division of Energy and Climate Action at United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)