The Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition Launches Six New Issue Briefs at COP29

Alongside the COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition (CEET) released six policy briefs on a number of crucial topics to support and guide the achievement of net zero emissions by 2050.

Learn more about the CEET’s six new policy briefs below:

Navigating the Coal Transition in Asia: Challenges, Lessons, and Pathways Forward

Published by UNFCCC and SDSN

Given the urgency and complexity of the coal transition, which involves a combination of technical, financial, and social factors, this brief aims to provide an overview of the key challenges and gaps in phasing out coal-fired generation in the Asian region and highlights strategies, solutions, and best practices for reducing coal use in the energy system.

Comprehensive Catalog on Transportation Decarbonization

Published by SDSN

Decarbonizing the most emitting transportation sectors, such as aviation, road, train, and shipping is not an easy task. For each transportation sector, this catalog provides an estimation of the decarbonized energy demand, an inventory of all decarbonization technology pathways, strategic and technical recommendations, and existing policy measures to accelerate the deployment of decarbonized solutions at an affordable cost.

Energy Rating Labels and Potential for Energy Savings Across the Global South

Published by UNEP and SDSN

The implementation of high-energy performance standards and rating labels for appliances across the Global South could save up to 3,442 TWh of electricity annually by 2050, equivalent to the current electricity use of many regions combined. This brief demonstrates how expanding these standards across more equipment and adopting Best Available Technology (BAT) could double or even quadruple these savings, while the transport sector could see a 50% reduction in energy use with stricter fuel standards.

Managed Phaseout of Fossil Fuels Power Generation Facilities by Repurposing and Retrofitting for a Low-Carbon Future

Published by UNFCCC, UNIDO, and SDSN

The power sector contributes to over 42% of the global carbon dioxide emissions. To manage the phaseout of fossil fuels, including in existing fossil fuel power plants, this brief showcases how the re-purposing and/or retrofitting of existing fossil fuel generation facilities can promote the smooth and managed energy transition and create benefits for all stakeholders.

Overview of Strategies for Reducing CO2 Emissions in China's Cement Industry

Published by UNIDO and SDSN

By 2050, China's annual cement consumption is expected to decline by over half, significantly reducing a sector responsible for 3.5-4.0% of global carbon emissions. The projected downturn in demand may challenge China’s cement industry, potentially raising carbon-intensive clinker use unless strong policies promote emission-reducing practices. While this sectoral contraction will reduce CO₂ emissions, this brief highlights that additional measures — like lowering clinker content and optimizing concrete production — could yield further low-cost emission cuts and efficiency gains.

Unlocking Low-Emission Energy from Waste: A Sustainable Solution for Shipping and Fisheries in Emerging Economies

Published by UNCTAD, UNIDO, and SDSN

Developing countries' port regions have a unique opportunity to advance climate action and sustainable development by improving sanitation infrastructure and decarbonizing the maritime sector through biofuel production. Drawing inspiration from successful projects in Brazil and Europe, this brief demonstrates how biogas production from waste can contribute to clean energy solutions and economic growth. It also highlights a proxy case study in Lagos, Nigeria, which demonstrates the potential of the Gulf of Guinea to produce significant amounts of biomethane by treating waste from just a portion of its urban populations.

Follow the CEET on LinkedIn for more details about the CEET’s efforts at the COP29. If you’re attending the COP29, join the CEET for an event on expanding energy storage and grids on Friday, November 15, and an event on CCUS on Saturday, November 16.