What is Cleantech?
Cleantech refers to products, processes or services that reduces negative environmental impacts though sustainable use of resources or energy efficiency improvements. It can refer to renewable energy technology, energy efficiency products/measures and products, processes or services that extend the life-cycle of recourses (‘circular economy’).
Cleantech in the energy sector
To achieve the long-term target of the Paris Agreement, to hold the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C, the energy sector is facing a significant transformation in the coming years.
Energy access if furthermore an enabler for social and economic development. Energy needs are expected to grow as one in five people still lack access to modern electricity and the global population is expected to grow.
The seventh Sustainable Development Goal sets out to secure universal access to modern energy services and substantially increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix by 2030:
“By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services
By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
By 2030, double the rate of improvement in energy efficiency
By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology, including renewable energy, energy efficiency and advanced and cleaner fossil-fuel technology, and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology
By 2030, expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services for all in developing countries, in particular least developed countries, small island developing States, and land-locked developing countries, in accordance with their respective programmes of support”