As the United Nations Climate Change Conference known as COP28 continues, the Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC) along with global partners unveiled the “Technology Without Borders” initiative.

This will see countries collaborate together for knowledge sharing, and capacity building between countries from the Global North and South, and close the technology gap that exists between nations. 

“COP28 must listen to the voices of the Global South and those affected most by climate change,” said Màiri McAllan, cabinet secretary for transport, net zero and just transition.

“Their work is vital to helping address the injustice at the heart of climate change by supporting those communities which are suffering the most but have done the least to cause the climate emergency.”

The technology partnership will lead to the rapid transfer, deployment, and scale-up of ambitions in the journey towards net zero, according to the NZTC. 

Established in 2017 as part of the Aberdeen City Region Deal, the NZTC is a not-for-profit organisation that collaborates with industry, government, and academia to drive technological innovation, expediting the energy transition to net zero. To date, the organisation has received £180 million in funding from both the UK and Scottish Governments. 

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The initiative will leverage both new and existing funds, adopting a targeted approach that considers the scale of emissions reduction and addresses specific challenges unique to different regions. With a number of projects already in development, the NZTC and partners will aim to target five projects in 2024. 

“Moving the next generation of technologies that can address climate change from low technology readiness level to commercialisation needs to be prioritised globally,” said Luca Corradi, chief technology officer of the Net Zero Technology Centre

“NZTC and its partners are committed to leveraging our track record of accelerating the development and deployment of affordable technology solutions, and unlocking private investment. This initiative underscores the collective responsibility we all share in realising a sustainable, climate-resilient world.”