6 minute read
CLEAN INNOVATION & NEW FRONTIERS IN ESG & SUSTAINABILITY
By Charlie Nixon, Senior Vice President, Gerson Lehrman Group
Through strategic collaborations with influential decision-makers from key industry players over the past 25 years, GLG (Gerson Lehrman Group) has established itself as a pioneering force in facilitating dynamic discussions on cutting-edge topics. Our mission is to empower clients in their journey of making informed and educated decisions that accelerate their organisations' success, through engaging subject-matter experts across diverse industries, accessing exclusive insights, and driving impactful conversations alongside their navigation through the complex business scene.
With our longstanding involvement in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters, we have witnessed a remarkable surge in capital and interest towards clean innovation. Said topical issues have expanded beyond boundaries, capturing the interest of businesses across various sectors. Our network of experts has contributed extensive insight and analysis, covering key themes and emerging trends that are shaping the landscape of energy transition and sustainable business practices.
Insight 1 | Energy Transition – Lagging or Leapfrogging?
Global political uncertainties and the urgent need to address the climate emergency have brought renewable energy to a critical juncture Renewable energy generation has witnessed, at best, a modest increase over the past year, with its growth further hindered by extreme weather challenges that have impacted hydropower and wind generation. While progress has been made in transitioning away from fossil fuels, the current pace falls short of meeting the ambitious net-zero target. Moreover, the adoption of renewable energy in key sectors such as transportation and logistics, manufacturing, and heating significantly lags behind. A collective and accelerated effort from both the public and private sectors is imperative to balancing energy independence and the net-zero goal.
Trending GLG Topics
Energy Security Amid Geopolitical Tension: How diversifed and autonomous is the European energy supply? - Dr. Adnan Vatansever, Senior Lecturer at the King's College Russia Institute
Renewables Market in SEA: Competitive landscape, key players, and market drivers; domestic energy production and consumption dynamics - Georgina Hayden, Former Head of Power and Renewables Research at Fitch Solutions, Inc.
Renewables Components Supply Chain: Inventory status and need for rebalancing on backlogs and excess supply - Mark Stedwell, Managing Director at NEM Connect
Insight 2 | Energy Storage – Fuel to the Adoption of Renewable Energy
Energy storage plays a crucial role in securing a constant supply of renewable energy, even in the absence of sunlight or wind It provides the flexibility needed to enhance grid reliability, power quality, and accommodate the scalability of renewable energy sources. In the transition towards clean energy, gridscale storage, including batteries and pumped-storage hydropower, will be vital in managing the impact on power grids and ensuring stability and reliability. While batteries have seen significant growth, emerging technologies such as hydrogen storage also hold immense potential for seasonal storage. However, challenges persist in grid infrastructure vulnerability and inadequacy, especially in developing countries. Concerted efforts and resources are much needed to accelerate the development and deployment of energy storage systems, fueling the mass-scale deployment of renewable energy networks.
Trending GLG Topics
Infrastructure Capacity: Are Grids Prepared for the Recovering Demand? - Robert Hull, Former Managing Director at the Office of Gas and Electricity of the UK
Solar Inverter and Polysilicon Outlook: Competitive landscape, supply-demand dynamics, growth momentum - Alexander Zachariou, Photovoltaic Industry and Market Consultant
Insight 3 | Transparency and Accountability in Transition – Rising Significance of ESG Disclosure
The rise in importance of ESG disclosure stems from increased scrutiny of social responsibility and corporate governance. Companies must adopt comprehensive sustainable practices and ethical decision-making ESG reporting enables transparent communication of progress to stakeholders, aiding informed decision-making. Climate change concerns and emissions policies drive scrutiny of business sustainability, while the shift to stakeholder value creation emphasises the need for ethical responsibilities. Organisations are disclosing ESG performance to meet stakeholder demands, with nonfinancial metrics appearing in annual or sustainability reports. ESG disclosure has become crucial as balance sheets no longer solely determine a company's worth.
Trending GLG Topics
Overview of Global Disclosure Frameworks: Data collection, reporting, and rating methodologies of GRI, CDP, SASB, TCFD, and CDSB - Dr. Christopher Wedding, Executive in Residence and Associate Professor at Duke University
Navigating the Greenwashing Pitfalls: Understanding the dark side of ESG - Markus Barth, Former Managing Director and Global Head of Investment & Indices at DWS Group Services UK
Insight 4 | Sustainability Taking Centre Stage in Policymaking and Regulation
To spur clean innovation and achieve ESG objectives, governments worldwide are exploring new policy and regulatory frameworks. These frameworks provide incentives for clean technology development while ensuring accountability and transparency. Measures like green tax credits, zero-emission vehicle mandates, and carbon pricing schemes incentivise companies to invest in clean innovation. Regulatory frameworks promoting competition and innovation in energy storage and smart grids further drive clean energy development.
As sustainability becomes a priority, policymakers and regulators must strike a balance between encouraging clean innovation and maintaining accountability. Our network of experts continues to provide extensive insight and analysis, helping clients navigate these dynamics and stay ahead in the latest clean and renewable innovations, contributing to a more sustainable future.
Trending GLG Topics
Mandate Integration: Best practices in implementing ESG-related policies in Real Estate and Infrastructure in APAC - Yvonne Huang, Director of Sustainable Real Estate at Asia Research & Engagement
EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism: Implication on carbon pricing, sectorial impact across cement, electricity, steel, and aluminum production - Christopher Boyd, Former Environmental Policy Development at The European Commission
In the rapidly evolving ESG scene, staying informed and adaptable is pivotal to a business’s long-term success. As ESG expands to encompass a broader and more complex spectrum, we are constantly reminded of its transformative potential for a sustainable future. Moving forward, vigilance, knowledge, and engagement shall help us navigate the complexities of ESG, contribute to its growth, and build a more sustainable and inclusive future. Our network of experts will continue to contribute extensive insight via an array of GLG products, empowering clients to navigate the ever-changing ESG scene and stay ahead in the latest clean and renewable innovations.
Relevant GLG Insights on Clean Innovation & ESG
Insight Articles:
Social Impact:
eBook:
About GLG
GLG is the World’s Insight Network, bringing decisionmakers the insight it takes to get ahead. When leaders need to make informed decisions, GLG provides meaningful connections through our network of 1 million experts, the world’s largest and most varied source of first-hand expertise, with hundreds more recruited daily to tackle tomorrow’s questions.
GLG provides an unparalleled Trusted Environment, with an industry-leading compliance framework built on integrity and trust that fuels our clients’ confidence to move forward.
With GLG, you can act with the confidence that comes from true clarity Get ahead with the expertise you need to make smarter decisions.
