Expert Exchange: Renewables Pull for a Just Energy Transition

The basic manufacturing industries—iron and steel, chemicals and cement—are facing one of the biggest challenges in their history: decarbonisation. These industries, all of which rely heavily on fossil fuels, are currently responsible for 18% of global CO2 emissions. One potential solution to this problem is the use of green hydrogen as a sustainable fuel alternative, itself produced using renewable energy. However, the switch from carbon-heavy fuels to hydrogen opens up new challenges in terms of energy supply, as renewable electricity and green hydrogen are costly to store and transport. This could lead industries to relocate to regions in the Global South, where conditions for renewable energy production are more favourable. The term “Renewables Pull” refers to this effect. 

This Expert Exchange will explore the Renewables Pull effect and its potential contribution to a just energy transition, particularly in coal regions. By bringing together experts on transformative industrial policy, the session will showcase current developments in the Renewables Pull effect and discuss its implications for different industries and countries.