Executives from 'hard-to-abate' industries have called for increased financing to support decarbonisation efforts, following the release of a landmark report that outlines less than a third of organisations in such industrial segments believe they have adequate budgets to do so, and over half have not yet set net-zero targets.

Reducing emissions in the hard-to-abate industries – cement, steel, aluminium, petrochemicals, shipping, aviation, heavy industry, and manufacturing – is vital in the effort to combat climate change, with industry and transport accounting for almost half of global emissions.

The findings from 'Hard to Abate, Ready to Start', recently published by Masdar – host of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) – in partnership with FT Longitude, further the discussion on decarbonisation by identifying the biggest hurdles, and what is needed to drive greater action in the lead up to the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), to be held in the UAE from 30th November to 12th December.

“Significant gap in where we are and where we need to be”

Although challenging, the report finds that half of senior industry leaders are more confident that net zero in their business is more achievable today compared to a few years ago.

“COP28 will see the conclusion of the Global Stocktake, offering a review of progress against the Paris Agreement. We know that the results will show a significant gap in where we are and where we need to be. The UAE is committed to addressing this, to reigniting momentum and to bringing the goal of 1.5 within reach,” stressed HE Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry & Advanced Technology, COP28 President-Designate, and Chairman of Masdar. “Addressing carbon emissions in hard-to-abate sectors is a priority in that regard. There is simply no path to net-zero that does not include decarbonising these essential industries.”

Access to reliable finance remains a major barrier 

Despite the optimism that exists across the industry, and the emergence of innovative new technologies to capture and store carbon, reliable finance remains a major barrier for accelerating progress for many senior executives. 

Despite strong progress across the sector over the past decade, 60 per cent of organisations surveyed across Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and North America have still not set decarbonisation targets, and leaders from those organisations cite a lack of reliable finance as the main barrier for committing to targets. Some 83 per cent and 62 per cent of senior executives from the Middle East and Asia-Pacific respectively highlighted that they are taking steps to reduce emissions, but have not set a target date for completion. Furthermore, just 30 per cent of senior executives overall indicated their budgets will be able to meet decarbonisation needs, and more than 50 per cent are concerned about the impact of global economic headwinds on decarbonisation investment.

Ahead of COP28, the UAE Presidency has made clear that access to finance and capital will be a priority, noting that both governments and private sector partners require the resources needed to commit to transformative action. This includes investing in the breakthrough technologies and innovations needed to drive ambition, such as carbon capture and storage, and other forms of decarbonisation.

Gap in ‘frontier’ tech available at commercial scale

In addition to financing hurdles, the report also highlights the disparity in available technologies to accelerate decarbonisation. Despite the progress made in recent years, the research outlines the gap in ‘frontier’ technologies available at a commercial scale, delaying energy-intensive industries in ramping up decarbonisation efforts.

“Building on important momentum gained during ADSW 2023, this report is a vital tool to drive forward decarbonisation in hard-to-abate industries,” remarked Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, who described his organisation as “a global clean energy powerhouse” that would “continue to play a leading role by fostering global collaboration amongst governments and private sector partners”. 

“We intend to seize the opportunity of utility-scale renewable energy and focus our investments in frontier technologies like sustainable aviation fuel and green hydrogen to help accelerate global progress ahead of COP28 and beyond,” Masdar’s CEO added. 

Innovative incentives required to support national net-zero targets

As well as calling for greater industry collaboration, the report highlights the importance of increased public sector support and calls upon global governments to deliver innovative incentives across funding, legislation, and taxation to support national net-zero targets. 

As highlighted in the report, only 24 per cent of senior executives expect to receive funding from government funds or incentives, and 41 per cent believe that without greater incentives and funding they will be unable to meet their domestic market's net-zero targets.

Gearing up for COP28 

Publication of the new report comes ahead of the UAE's preparations to host COP28 later this year. This global event will act as a major milestone in progressing conversations and inclusive solutions across all sectors, including those hard-to-abate industries. In convening key players from this sector, COP28 will aim to accelerate climate action and deliver concrete outcomes and solutions for climate change.

In his role as COP President-Designate, Dr Al Jaber has emphasised the need to address gaps by bringing public and private partners together in a “COP of Action, and a COP for All". The UAE has stated it is firmly committed to an inclusive approach to climate action that includes industry leaders, civil society, academics, women, youth, and indigenous peoples. 

In addition to COP28, 'Hard to Abate, Ready to Start' will help frame discussions at the upcoming International Energy Week in London and S&P CERA Week in Houston, Texas.

To read the full report, click here