2024-05-12-世界经济论坛-扩大清洁技术支出_实现净零排放的企业行动手册（英）_30页_1mb

Summary of "Scaling Clean Technology: A Corporate Playbook for Net Zero"

Core Content

This white paper provides a strategic guide for corporations to accelerate the demand for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and green hydrogen (GH₂) as part of their net-zero transition. It emphasizes the importance of overcoming the green premium—the additional cost of adopting low-carbon technologies—and outlines a three-pronged approach to achieve this: navigating the policy landscape, articulating a compelling business case, and identifying robust commercial models for offtake agreements.

The paper highlights the critical role of the First Movers Coalition (FMC) in creating a demand signal for clean technologies, and underscores the need for corporate engagement to drive market growth. It also outlines the current state of development for SAF and GH₂, the regulatory and financial support available in key markets, and the challenges and opportunities in scaling these technologies to meet global climate goals by 2050.

Main Points

1. The Demand Acceleration Challenge

• The global transition to net-zero emissions by 2050 is heavily reliant on breakthrough technologies such as SAF and GH₂.
• Current demand for these technologies is insufficient to meet projected needs by 2050, with SAF only at 15% of required 2030 volume and GH₂ at 5%.
• The green premium remains a major barrier to market expansion, with SAF priced at $2–5 per gallon and GH₂ at $3–6 per kg over conventional alternatives.
• Corporate buyers are pivotal in reducing this premium and creating a sustainable market for low-carbon fuels.

2. Navigating the Policy Landscape

• SAF Policy Landscape:

  • In the US, SAF is supported through federal and state-level tax credits, such as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) SAF Blenders Tax Credit and Clean Fuel Production Credit.
  • In Europe, regulations like the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) II and the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation set clear mandates for SAF usage.
  • The EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) is phasing out free emissions allowances for aviation, creating a financial incentive for SAF adoption.
  • The UK has set ambitious SAF mandates and is investing in production facilities to support them.

• GH₂ Policy Landscape:

  • The US relies on supply-side incentives, including production and investment tax credits, infrastructure funding, and research grants.
  • The EU has set electrolyser capacity targets and launched initiatives like the European Hydrogen Bank (EHB) to support GH₂ development.
  • Public support, including subsidies and guaranteed rewards for avoided emissions, is crucial to making GH₂ economically viable for corporate buyers.

• Policy Impact:

  • Strong regulatory frameworks and public incentives are essential for creating a bankable project environment.
  • Understanding regional differences in policy is key for corporations to optimize their procurement strategies and reduce costs.

3. Articulating the Business Case

• Corporate adoption of SAF and GH₂ is driven by the need to meet regulatory compliance and net-zero commitments.
• Early offtake agreements offer strategic advantages, including alignment with sustainability goals, long-term cost stability, and potential operational efficiencies.
• A compelling business case must demonstrate both the economic viability and environmental benefits of these technologies, addressing concerns about upfront costs and risk.

4. Identifying Commercial Models for Offtake

• Individual offtake: Direct procurement from a single supplier, often used for small-scale or specific needs.

• Book and claim: A mechanism where buyers can purchase credits for clean fuel without physical delivery, offering flexibility and risk mitigation.

• Equity investment for committed volume: Long-term investment in production capacity, which can help reduce costs and ensure supply chain security.

• Key Considerations:

  • Long-term power-purchase agreements are critical for ensuring stable and affordable energy supply.
  • Technology due diligence, traceable feedstock sources, and legal compliance are essential for securing financing.
  • Supplier credibility and government support (e.g., credit guarantees, subsidies) are important for reducing financial risk.

Key Information

• SAF and GH₂ are central to decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors.
• Current production capacity is insufficient to meet 2050 net-zero targets.
• The green premium is a major obstacle to market growth, but can be mitigated through corporate demand and public support.
• Corporate buyers are emerging as first movers in the clean fuel market, leveraging offtake agreements and public incentives.
• A diversified approach to offtake, including individual, book and claim, and equity investment models, is necessary to meet different corporate needs.

Conclusion

To achieve the 1.5°C pathway, corporations must actively engage in the procurement of SAF and GH₂, leveraging both public and private sector incentives. By understanding the policy landscape, developing a strong business case, and adopting appropriate offtake models, companies can drive down the green premium, support the growth of clean technologies, and contribute to global decarbonization efforts. The paper serves as a strategic toolkit for businesses aiming to lead the transition to a sustainable future.