Breaking Barriers to Net Zero: Insights from the SETsquared Investment Futures Panel

At the recent SETsquared Investment Futures event, GW-SHIFT Deputy-Director Karen Brooks, participated in an engaging panel discussion focused on the critical challenges of achieving Net Zero. Titled What technology will get us to Net Zero, and is it getting funded?, the session brought together leading voices from the clean energy ecosystem, including a Clean Energy investor, Jonathon Matlock, and Ben Burgraff from Net Zero Industry Wales and Co-Chair of GW-SHIFT Strategic Advisor Board.

The panel delved into the transformative technologies needed to reach Net Zero targets and the complex funding landscape for these innovations. Key points of discussion included:

1. The Innovation Gap
   While there is no shortage of groundbreaking ideas, many technologies struggle to progress beyond the pilot stage due to limited funding opportunities and support for scaling.

2. Collaboration as a Catalyst
   Bridging the gap requires stronger partnerships between academics, investors, and industry leaders to create ecosystems that support the full lifecycle of innovation, from concept to implementation.

3. The Role of Investors
   Clean energy investors play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future, but the challenge lies in aligning long-term climate goals with short-term economic returns. Funding for Hydrogen related companies is still challenging as investors are still to be convinced that Hydrogen is a fuel to bet on.

4. Regional Impact
   Focused efforts in regions like South West England and South Wales demonstrate how localised strategies can have a global impact, driving progress in hydrogen.

This session reinforced the importance of collaborative dialogue and collective action in overcoming the barriers to achieving Net Zero. Events like SETsquared Investment Futures provide a vital platform for stakeholders across sectors to align strategies and ultimately accelerating the journey toward a sustainable future.

GW-SHIFT provides funding for the development of Hydrogen related products and services which will have an economic impact within South West England and South Wales. To find out more go to SPRINT and SECONDMENT pages.