Industrial Decarbonisation (Virtual) China 2022
In February 2022, a virtual Innovate UK Global Expert Mission in Industrial Decarbonisation reviewed technology and infrastructure gaps in the UK and China, focusing on large-scale production of blue hydrogen and carbon capture and storage. The mission also captured insights into the synergies between the two countries in decarbonisation and determined the appetite for collaboration.
Abstract from outcome report:
The UK will create the world’s first net zero industrial clusters by 2040, utilising the significant amount of storage capacity available offshore. This important asset, combined with the projects in advanced stages of development, will enable the UK to become a world leader in industrial decarbonisation technologies.
China is the world’s largest emitter of CO2 and was responsible for 28% of global CO2 emissions in 2020. Significantly, President Xi set a binding target to achieve net zero by 2060. Major industrial decarbonisation initiatives in China, specifically CCS and low carbon hydrogen, therefore, present significant market growth opportunities.
Furthermore, it will be necessary for the UK and China to work closely together to share knowledge and promote collaboration as the global market develops at pace.
Experts from the UK and China have identified areas for collaboration between the two countries in CCS and hydrogen production. There are clear opportunities for UK businesses to work with Chinese companies, organisations and academia to develop state-of-the-art technology to serve the needs of the industry best and help governments meet emissions targets. These areas include the development of long-term business models, the design of new regulatory and policy frameworks, the creation of a knowledge exchange platform and the development of large-scale projects.
About Global Expert Missions
The Global Expert Missions (GEM) programme is funded by Innovate UK and designed to build international collaborations with governments, societies, enterprises, institutions, and people from every corner of the globe. With global challenges requiring international perspectives, the programme aims to support the UK government’s ambition to be the international partner of choice and a global hub for innovation by 2035.