The Mitigation Work Programme produced a report from discussions this year on how countries can take more action to mitigate emissions
Representational illustration from iStock The Sharm El-Sheikh Mitigation Ambition and Implementation Work Programme (MWP) negotiation stream kicked off on December 1, 2023 at the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The programme will be a space for countries to brainstorm collectively on how to take on more mitigation efforts, while highlighting the barriers to the same.
Ahead of the discussions, the co-chairs summarised the MPW’s annually mandated activities in a report published recently, which amalgamates the proceedings from two Global Dialogues under the work programme this year in June and October.
The First Global Dialogue and Investment-focused Event in June this year saw discussions on accelerating the Just Energy Transition (JET). The themes included Renewable Energy (RE), Grid and Energy Storage, Carbon Capture and Utilization/Storage (CCU/S), and Energy Efficiency.
Subsequently, a dedicated one-day investment-focused event aimed to assess the costs of mitigation implementation, unlock finance, overcome barriers to access finance, and identify investment opportunities for just transitions.
The first dialogue process collectively emphasised the urgent need for the widespread adoption of renewable energy.
Last year saw a 70 per cent surge in global investment in the energy transition. Amid this surge, stakeholders emphasised the need for a substantial scale-up of renewable energy deployment by 2030 to meet the 1.5°C global warming target. However, a concern resonated through the dialogue — the uneven distribution of renewable energy capacity, primarily concentrated in the Global North.
The discussion underscored key enablers for a successful energy transition, emphasising forward-looking planning, infrastructure modernisation, and inclusive policy frameworks. Despite the decreasing costs of renewable technologies, deployment continues to show geographical disparities. Persistent barriers, including limited access to technology, training, and affordable finance, were put forward.
The breakout group discussion in the specific context of Grid and Energy Storage delved into insufficient investment trends to meet net-zero goals. Emphasising the role of grid and energy storage in enabling renewable energy deployment, managing volatility, and incentivising investment, the group identified challenges such as substantial capital costs, especially in lower-income economies. The discussion highlighted the importance of larger, more integrated power systems for cost reduction, improved energy security, and decarbonisation.
The report discusses Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), spotlighting their role in achieving net-zero emissions and limiting temperature rise to 1.5°C. Globally, 40 operational facilities capture and store 50 million tonnes of CO2 annually, with 20 more under construction and 200 in the pipeline.
Experiences from projects in Norway, Saudi Arabia, Japan and Indonesia were shared. Divergent views on CCU and CCS emerged, with some seeing them as viable mitigation options and others viewing them as supplementary to other measures.
Some raised concerns about whether CCU and CCS were meant to delay the shift to renewable energy. Opinions varied on readiness for large-scale deployment, with discussions on their potential role in addressing current emission stocks through direct air capture for negative emissions. As for the technology’s potential, the global storage capacity was estimated to exceed 1,000 Gt CO2, surpassing the remaining carbon budget.
The presentation on financing issues focused on climate finance needs in low-income countries and the need to address debt and investment challenges. Discussions proposed blended finance structures but highlighted concerns about customisation for low-income nations. Many solutions — including carbon pricing, attracting green technology investment and enhancing concessional financing and debt relief — were also put forward.
Participants deliberated on reforms in international climate finance and alignment with the Paris Agreement.
Innovative finance instruments like blended finance and debt-for-climate swaps, with Nationally Determined Contributions informing international finance, were presented as opportunities for financial woes.
The Second Global Dialogue, following the structure of the first, took place in Abu Dhabi from October 15-16, 2023, concentrating on the just energy transition in transport systems. Participants discussed opportunities and challenges related to advancing a just energy transition in transport systems, focusing on topics like non-motorised transport modes, energy efficiency, electrification of vehicles, and low-carbon fuels. A one-day investment-focused event was hosted with the World Investment Forum 2023.
Speakers noted the need to shift to collective and non-motorised transport for sustainable mobility, noting that doubling public transport capacity could reduce emissions by 45 per cent.
While electrification was promoted, it was agreed that transitioning from internal combustion engine buses to electric buses is considered to result in more substantial CO2 reductions compared to shifting to electric cars.
In terms of policies, subnational governments’ role in land-use planning and aligning climate strategies with transport policies was also highlighted.
The Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation are tasked with considering the progress highlighted in this report, including key findings, opportunities, and barriers. Their objective is to recommend a draft decision for consideration and adoption at COP28 in Dubai.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.