Accelerating Net-Zero Transitions: Technology, Firms, and Policy

We face a climate and sustainability crisis which requires a rapid transition to net-zero emissions by mid-century. However, some hard-to-decarbonise sectors will likely have residual emissions well beyond the middle of this century that must either be removed from the atmosphere or captured at the source. While Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies and companies exist today, their deployed capacity today is low, and it will be challenging to scale the technologies, infrastructure and industry fast enough to balance a significant share of residual emissions by 2050.

This course will cover the synergies between cutting-edge climate technologies, corporate strategies, markets, and impactful policy frameworks. Students are enabled to answer critical questions such as: What are barriers hindering the diffusion of a certain climate technology? What roles do firms play in scaling climate technologies? What is the difference between CCUS and CDR, and what are key technologies? What role does policy play in the deployment of climate technologies?

The course is organized by the Chair of Sustainability & Technology and is open to all interested students on Bachelor, Master and PhD level. Contact Dr. Christof Knoeri for further information.

Please note that this lecture will be paused in spring 2025.