The report Pathways to Net Zero: The Impact of Clean Energy Research analyzes how global research has contributed to advancing clean energy technologies needed to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. It highlights a significant growth in clean energy research output, increasing from 1% of global publications in 2001 to 5% in 2020. China leads in research output and funding, followed by the United States, with notable growth in countries like India, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. The report also underscores the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration and the growing role of digitalization and applied research, especially in areas like batteries, solar cells, and energy grids.
Despite encouraging trends, the report stresses that research collaboration between the Global North and South remains limited, with the Global South accounting for only 21% of NØEnergy publications. While corporate-academic collaborations have increased, few major polluting corporations produce substantial clean energy research. Still, there has been exponential growth in patents, indicating progress from research to real-world application. Key clean energy areas like bioenergy and carbon capture remain underfunded compared to other sectors.
To reach global net-zero targets, the report calls for more inclusive, globally coordinated research, with a strong emphasis on supporting and involving developing countries. Policymakers, funders, and industry leaders must prioritize equitable access to clean technologies and research support. Innovation, interdisciplinarity, and data-driven decision-making are crucial to ensure the societal transformation required to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.