The Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition (CEET), a high-level body of engineers and energy system experts helping build the UN Secretary General's coalition to achieve net zero emissions by 2050,has convened for the first time at the UN climate change conference (COP27).
The CEET has released a statement calling for the rapid deployment of commercially available clean energy technologies, for an accelerated development and deployment of emerging technologies, and for research to develop additional innovative solutions. The statement underlines that these technical solutions must link with policies that support a just and affordable energy transition that leaves no one behind.
The Council identifies three key approaches to support an affordable and reliable net-zero energy system:
1. Reducing the energy intensity of economies with policies and measures that leverage technologies, data, and digitalization, in particular by supporting energy efficiency to reduce operating costs, improve energy security, and quickly reduce emissions.
2. Electrifying end uses that currently rely on fossil fuels, such as building heating, cooking, and passenger vehicles, while pursuing other decarbonization pathways, such as carbon management and low-carbon fuels, for end uses that are harder to electrify, such as heavy industry and heavy transport.
3. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from energy supplies by transitioning to renewables, nuclear, and other low-carbon primary energy sources.
The CEET, established in September 2021, is co-chaired by Gerd Müller, Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO),and Professor Jeffrey Sachs, President of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN).
Speaking at the COP27 release of the CEET statement, Gerd Müller said, "We must completely change our global energy system and work together to increase the speed and scale of deployment of existing clean energy technologies. Engineers can bring necessary impartial, evidence-based knowledge and expertise to help policymakers, businesses and decision-makers in their choice of technologies, in making investments, and developing policies and pathways...This is why the work of the Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition is so essential."
The short-term priorities of the CEET include:
- Identifying best engineering and technology practices to support a just energy transition, identifying common opportunities and challenges for financing projects, and developing criteria for determining bankable projects;
- Leveraging the CEET's expertise to enhance regional and global collaboration and connectivity around technology pathways and accompanying finance;
- Working together with other agencies and in-country stakeholders to identify priorities and develop roadmaps that identify practical pathways forward, indicators of progress, key milestones, and policy recommendations
About the Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition (CEET)
Under the auspices of the United Nations Secretary-General, the Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition (CEET) is a global, high-level body of engineers and energy systems experts established to contribute to the Secretary-General's goal to build a coalition to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, and to the UN generally on engineering pathways to achieve comprehensive decarbonization by mid-century. The work of the CEET will be undertaken by an independent and impartial council of recognized global experts, serving in their personal capacity and responding to requests for information by the UN System.
