December 11 at COP25: Technology Needs Assessments

• By: AWMA
• On: 12/12/2019 15:20:24
• In: COP 25
• Comments: 0

11 December 2019
Reported by: Jack Broadbent, CEO and Air Pollution Control Officer, Bay Area Air Quality Management District

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Technology Needs Assessment: Linkages with National Determined Contributions
 
Jeff Muffat and I attended a fascinating session today, composed of experts working on technology options for countries' NDCs.  A representative from the UNFCCC opened up the panel by providing context to the discussion, with particular focus on Technology Needs Assessments (TNAs).  TNAs are country driven, with stakeholder involvement focused on capacity building, and are the cornerstone of country NDCs.  There is a three-step process for the development of a TNA:

1. Technology identification
2. Barrier analysis
3. Technology Action Plan development and implementation. 

The UNFCCC focused on several areas in helping to develop TNAs: Africa, the Caribbean, and South East Asia.  The UNFCCC helped these areas through technology support, preparing guidance, and holding workshops.  The priority areas for TNAs include agricultural and working lands for carbon sequestration, land use and water management projects for climate adaptation, and CO2 mitigation projects, including renewable energy projects, transportation mitigation efforts, and wastewater methane control and reuse projects.  All of this work is designed to be the foundation for countries developing and modifying their NDCs, as necessary.  
 
A representative from NDC Partnership described the work of his global organization, which helps countries drive transformative climate actions while enhancing sustainable development.  Over 104 countries participate in this partnership, and it essentially serves as a technology transfer organization.  The representative described several projects in a number of countries. 
 
A business representative described how TNA efforts are integrated in climate tech financing efforts.  Ultimately, Article 6 (that defines the underlying quantification of the international trading system called for under COP) will rely on credible TNAs to work successfully. 
 
Finally, a variety of representatives from various countries described their individual TNAs.  The panel included examples from the Bahamas (renewable energy projects) and Kenya (solar grain drying operations and methane capture facilities).