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Energy system
Data Centres and Data Transmission Networks
CO2 emissions
Data centres and data transmission networks are responsible for 1% of energy-related GHG emissions
Energy
Strong efficiency improvements have helped to limit growth in energy demand from data centres globally
Activity
Emerging services and technologies such as streaming, cloud gaming, blockchain, artificial intelligence, machine learning and virtual reality are poised to boost demand for data services
Renewable energy
Policy
Private sector initiatives
Acknowledgements
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Energy system
Hydrogen
Low-emissions hydrogen projects are set to grow strongly despite wave of cancellations and persistent challenges
Worldwide hydrogen demand increased to almost 100 million tonnes in 2024, up 2% from 2023 and in line with overall energy demand growth. The vast majority of this was met by hydrogen produced from fossil fuels without measures in place to capture associated emissions. Sectors that have traditionally used hydrogen, such as oil refining and industry, remained the biggest consumers.
The uptake of low-emissions hydrogen is not yet meeting the expectations set by industry and governments in recent years, especially in light of…
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Energy system
CO2 Capture and Utilisation
Country and regional highlights
CCUS and synthetic fuel policies are being strengthened in the United States and Europe
CO2 emissions
CO2 use can bring important climate benefits, but with caveats
Activity
CO2 use for synthetic fuels remains the leading new utilisation route
Technology installation and infrastructure
CCU supply chains can benefit from synergies with fossil-based synthetic fuel production and CCS
Innovation
Policy
Investment
Venture capital investment in CCU continues to grow
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Country
Hungary
Hungary was among the first countries globally, in June 2020, to make a legal commitment to become carbon neutral by 2050 and plans to phase out coal by 2030 at the latest. Enhanced energy efficiency, increased renewable and nuclear electricity and electrification of end-use sectors are identified as the key drivers towards the 2050 target. Hungary plans to build two new nuclear unit and while solar PV has grown notably, wind lacks behind its potential but the change in siting limits for wind turbines are likely to have a positive impact on the sector.
- Overview
- Energy mix
- Emissions
- Electricity
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+ 5 pages
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Sector
Transport
…require a co-ordinated policy approach that facilitates decarbonisation across all transport modes and expands supporting infrastructure. Measures at various levels of jurisdiction – national, subnational, within cities and in multi-country regional blocs – must support progress in: Defining clear R&D priorities for all transport technologies. Improving the efficiency of all transport modes. Stimulating the uptake of zero-emission vehicles. Increasing the availability and use of sustainable low-emission fuels across the entire sector. Managing travel demand, distances travelled and car dependency; sustaining active modes of travel; and supporting the recovery of public transport.
Use fiscal instruments to stem transport…
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Energy system
Rail
Country and regional highlights
Europe targets modernisation of the rail network and India rapid electrification, while China is expanding its network with a focus on high-speed rail
CO2 emissions
Rail is the least emissions-intensive mode of passenger transport – its expansion will help reduce overall emissions
Energy
Expansion of electric trains continues rapidly in the NZE Scenario, particularly to replace diesel-powered freight trains
Activity
Innovation
Policy
Acknowledgements
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Energy system
Space Cooling
Country and regional highlights
Updated energy efficiency standards and new policies target emissions associated with space cooling
CO2 emissions
Progress on efficiency and power decarbonisation have not been sufficient to curb emissions growth from rising space cooling demand
Energy
In 2022 energy consumption for space cooling further increased by more than 5% from 2021
Activity
More than half of floor area additions to 2030 will occur in areas of the world with a high need for space cooling
Policy
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Country
Norway
Norway has set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and establishing a low-emissions society by 2050. As an energy-rich country, Norway is in a unique starting position with respect to the energy transition. An abundance of affordable hydropower has enabled the development of energy-intensive industries and a high level of electrification of homes and businesses with limited greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, as a major oil and gas producer and exporter, Norway will need to support an evolution of its energy sector amid the global energy transition. Altogether, Norway has the opportunity to lead…
- Overview
- Energy mix
- Emissions
- Electricity
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+ 5 pages
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Technology report
Mar 2025
Demand and Supply Measures for the Steel and Cement Transition Executive summary
…for near-zero emissions steel and cement – in some cases through collaboration with government – like the Low Emissions Steel Standard initiated in Germany, the voluntary CO2 standard of the China Iron and Steel Association, and the Global Cement and Concrete Association’s definitions proposal. Yet, while progress is underway, it has not yet advanced at the speed and scale needed: announced capacity for near-zero emissions iron-based steel production and cement production by 2030 amounts to only about 10 Mt and 35 Mt, respectively, equivalent to 10% of that required in the same year on a pathway to net zero emissions…