Our Work
Technologies of a low carbon economy
Over 70% of the technologies we need to cut emissions as needed by 2020 already exists today. The challenge is to make these marketable.
We're focusing on those technologies that can scale up quickly, effectively. Our projects will show that these technologies are both practical and affordable. Along the way, we'll spot barriers that might stop them from being used widely, and find ways to overcome those.
We're helping show how creative public-private partnerships can speed up putting those technologies into practice.
Watch this space. We'll be further developing our work on these areas, and launching others, in early 2010.
TechnologiesCarbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
Fossil fuels will continue to provide a substantial proportion of our power demand for the foreseeable future. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), capturing and storing over 90% of the carbon in the fuel, can allow fossil fuels to be used in a more sustainable way as part of a low-carbon future. That's why we've launched the CCS Task Force: To accelerate the construction of five CCS demonstration plants at scale- one each in China, India, the US, Europe and Australia by 2014.
TechnologiesLightSavers: LEDs and Smart Controls
Light-emitting diode (LED) lamps and smart lighting controls can cut C02 emissions 50 to 70% on current conventional alternatives. They can save money through increased efficiency, while making our streets, neighborhoods and parks brighter, safer and friendlier at night. That's why we're working with governments and businesses globally to make LEDs commercially viable and to light cities and towns globally.
TechnologiesInformation and Communication Technologies
Our SMART 2020 report showed how ICT could reduce global emissions from all sectors 15% by 2020. That's why we're focusing on smart meters, smart grids, smart buildings, and smart cities.
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TechnologiesElectric Vehicles
Electric vehicles are a ready, viable and clear way to reduce our emissions. For a start, they offer 70% energy-efficiency, while the internal-combustion engines common today offer only around 20%. The technology is ready. What's needed now is to transform our transport infrastructure. That's why we're partnering with car-makers, battery manufacturers, utilities, banks and governments - at all scales - to build the partnerships needed to make a fast transition to EVs.