The energy sector is fundamental to the development of nations as it promotes economic growth and guarantees people's well-being and quality of life. However, energy use is increasing by an average of 1 to 2% annually, while global power generation capacity is expected to increase by 50% to 100% and electricity production by 30% to 76% by 2050. , according to data from the International Energy Agency. This implies that the sector's value chain promotes sustainability by promoting processes and energy sources that minimize their impacts with environmental and social responsibility.
In this context, it is essential to create and use new energies closely related to scientific and technological innovations, which have an impact on the sources and uses of energy, which is a universal form of processes that require energy and human development from other perspectives due to its many possibilities. Energy and electricity to improve people's quality of life.
The successful integration of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the needs of society, where energy is essential, and therefore new knowledge and technological innovations are generated from STI, guaranteeing the sustainable development of the sector.
Knowledge and innovation in clean energy technologies must be accelerated to achieve a net zero emissions scenario (NCE) by 2050. While most of the CO2 emissions needed by 2030 will be achieved by commercially available technologies, the path to 2050 is not dependent on technologies. Still ready for widespread adoption, but it should be available in this decade, especially in sectors with difficulties in decarbonization, such as heavy industry and long-distance transport, taking into account that advances are made more rapidly in those areas of the energy system. Clean technologies such as electric generation and passenger cars are already available and costs are falling rapidly.
According to the International Energy Agency, the major advances in technological innovation in the energy sector include: Yo. Electric vehiclesAccording to manufacturers, the production capacity for electric vehicle batteries is sufficient to meet the demands expected in the ENC scenario in 2030; ii Heat pipes: With sales growth of 11% over the past few years, it is approaching the 15% average compound annual growth required to fully integrate into the ENC scenario; iii Energy efficiency: Technologies are being developed that make processes increasingly less intensive and reduce energy consumption.
In Colombia, STI has worked on innovative energy initiatives, particularly in renewable energy and hydrogen, as strategies for energy transition and/or decarbonization of the economy. Moreover, the energy technologies required by these strategies may provide various opportunities to promote research and development projects, increase education programs and workforce, which will generate innovation and knowledge creation in the sector and reduce regional disparities.
In addition, the hydrogen roadmap, which uses various renewable energy initiatives and scientific and technological innovations, makes the country a leader in the development of renewable energy in the region, which requires international cooperation, investments in new projects with innovation tools, and continuous development. Energy research processes and tax incentives allow, among others, an effective energy transition and the decarbonization of the economy to promote sustainable development.
For this reason, on March 4 and 5, 2024, at the International Energy Agency, eight emerging economies, including Colombia, showed the importance of technological development and/or transfer, innovation and knowledge creation as fundamental elements in the energy sector to meet commitments against climate change, to reach net zero by 2050 and Promote decarbonized economies in various sectors that must continue to promote technological innovation that contributes to global sustainable development.
You can connect or contact me at Clara Inés Pardo, Postdoc. University of Rosario https://co.linkedin.com/in/clara-ines-pardo-martinez
