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    International collaboration to accelerate the energy transition

    CONTENTS

    Our goal

    Accelerate the net-zero transition

    To mitigate the devastating effects of climate change, the transition to reliable, affordable, sustainable energy sources is crucial. Energy and infrastructure are also the backbone of a thriving society and economy. While there are many efforts currently underway to accelerate the transition to renewable energy, we’ve seen fragmented efforts hamper progress. With the first Challenge “International collaboration to develop energy transition and infrastructure solutions” the BMW Foundation aims to facilitate international collaboration that accelerates the net-zero transition, bringing about change more quickly and more cost-effectively. Energy and infrastructure are the backbone of a thriving society. Access to reliable and affordable energy powers industries and businesses. This enables productivity, innovation, and social progress. Infrastructure, too, is a critical component of a well-functioning society. It underpins economic growth, social development, and quality of life. At the same time, energy production and consumption account for more than 85 percent of global CO2 emissions, impacting the world’s climate and the future of humanity on a big scale.The complex nature of today’s energy transition, coupled with a polarizing and oversimplified narrative around it, calls for a coordinated international collaboration and new collaborative models across sectors. And it requires partnerships that bring together diverse perspectives, expertise, resources, knowledge, and stakeholders from business, policy, science, and civil society.

    Prototyping and showcasing new forms of collaborationThe energy transition is a global challenge that requires solutions from all around the world. No single region or country can solve this problem alone. Collaborative efforts and innovative solutions from diverse stakeholders are essential. The energy transition is a universal goal that transcends national boundaries and requires a concerted global effort to succeed. Europe can play an important role in advancing the energy transition by prototyping and showcasing new forms of collaboration. Insights and learnings can be shared to drive global scaling forward. In today’s geopolitical landscape, Europe’s energy dependency has become a critical security issue, threatening the very foundations of our societies. In addition, Europe's industrial competitiveness is lagging, and the industrial sector risks falling further behind in the global efforts to accelerate clean technology innovation.At the same time, the region has pioneered many of the technologies that shape our lives and economies today. It can continue to be a global technology leader by seizing the clean tech market opportunity and it can play an important role in advancing the energy transition by prototyping and showcasing new models of cooperation. Tackling these issues is not only essential for achieving net zero but for building resilient and prosperous economies.

    Our Approach

    Cross-sector collaboration

    We believe technology is one of the most important drivers for a successful transition, but it is international collaboration that will leapfrog societies across the globe. The transition calls for coordinated partnerships and new collaboration models toward a sustainable energy future. This collaborative approach is essential for sharing innovative ideas and best practices to ensure the energy transition is responsive to local needs at global scale.

    Scaling and deploying innovative solutions that will propel society forwardMany clean tech solutions are already available. However, they are often slowed down by the long scaling cycles of deep tech startups, unsuitable regulatory framework conditions, lack of financial support, and missing offtake partnerships. At the same time, emerging technologies often lack access to early-stage support mechanisms and resources needed to reach maturity.Mentorship, tailored technical support, and matchmaking between startups and industry make it possible to commercialize breakthrough technologies and create new markets. Collaboration with policymakers is necessary to redesign market structures and regulatory frameworks. Finally, to drive the clean industries of the future through energy and climate solutions, catalytic investments are required to propel a new generation of startups to scale and to maximize impact.
    Fostering collaboration amidst global challenges
    The world is currently witnessing the effects of the crises at the intersection of global climate goals and various policy domains, particularly in the context of rising geopolitical tensions. As major economies such as the United States, the EU, and China pursue strategies to secure critical industries and assert dominance in clean technologies, these shifts are leading to increased protectionism and resource nationalism. These dynamics raise questions about how to diversify and decarbonize global supply chains while maintaining social equity and minimizing adverse impacts on the Global South.Ultimately, the focus is on exploring ways to enable trade and climate policies globally to ensure a fair and effective transition to clean energy that considers the different goals and realities of different countries and regions.
    Building Trust for an Energy Transition Benefiting as Many People as Possible
    It is crucial to engage public opinion and strengthen support for the energy transition, ensuring equitable benefits across society. To meet this challenge, a sense of inclusion must be fostered and the objectives of the energy transition harmonized with economic growth, striking the right balance. Many feel the energy transition threatens their livelihoods and way of life, leading to a sense of marginalization. Public stakeholders, industry, and academia must work collaboratively with affected communities, listen to their concerns, and develop customized solutions to address their specific needs.

    Our first initiative

    Energy Resilience Leadership Group (ERLG)

    We’ve teamed up with the Energy Resilience Leadership Group (ERLG) to guide leaders in their efforts to reduce Europe’s dependence on natural gas. With its industry connections and wealth of knowledge, the ERLG will serve as a valuable partner in accelerating the energy transition. The goal of this private-public-philanthropic partnership is to bring leaders from politics, industry, and the financial world together to achieve an energy breakthrough as quickly as possible.

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