Abstract:
Today, on World IP Day, we’re discussing how intellectual property (IP) contributes to clean energy development. IP incentivizes innovation in renewable energy, helping us move closer to Sustainable Development Goal 7. Market leaders and startups drive progress, while collaborations speed up clean energy adoption. By protecting ideas through patents, IP fosters a sustainable future, promoting economic growth and environmental protection.
Happy World IP Day! Today, we honor the profound impact of innovation, creativity, and the protection of intellectual property on a global scale. Intellectual property rights serve as the bedrock for progress and economic prosperity, empowering innovators worldwide. As we commemorate this day, let’s stand together in recognition of the invaluable contributions made by individuals and organizations. This year’s theme, “IP and the SDGs: Building our common future with innovation and creativity,” highlights the crucial role of intellectual property in driving innovation and creativity towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Intellectual property is instrumental in fostering the innovation and creativity necessary for human advancement, and aligning with the objectives outlined in the SDGs.
Let’s explore the ways in which intellectual property nurtures the innovation and creativity necessary to drive human advancement, while also connecting IP to the SDGs to contribute towards global improvement, especially regarding SDG 7 – Affordable and clean energy.
Leveraging Clean Energy SDG: Intellectual Property in Sustainable Innovation
Understanding Clean Energy SDG
Sun, wind, water, plants, heat from the Earth, and tides are all sources of clean energy that don’t produce much pollution. The use of clean energy reduces harmful gases in the air, makes our energy supply more secure, and supports long-term progress. A few examples of clean energy technologies include:
- Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technology captures carbon dioxide from power plants and factories to prevent it from entering the atmosphere. This carbon can then either be buried underground, used in factories to make fuel, or made into other useful products.
- Another source of clean energy is hydrogen, which can reduce pollution in areas such as heating, factories, and transportation.
- A smart grid is a system that uses technology to improve the operation of an electric power network, bringing in clean energy, enhancing reliability, and enabling people to use energy more efficiently.
- The batteries are also crucial because they enable us to save clean energy, make transportation cleaner, and give more people access to clean energy. These benefits allow us all to move towards a greener, more sustainable future together.
Experts say we’re going to need a lot more storage by 2040, way more than what we had in 2020, hence development of clean energy technologies is essential.
Advantages of Intellectual Property in Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) for Clean Energy
Intellectual property rights (IPR) encourage innovation in renewable energy, pushing us toward a more sustainable future. They give inventors the exclusive rights to their creations, which incentivizes investment in research and development, especially in clean energy. This helps them recover their costs and possibly make profits by selling their inventions. As a result, we get new energy-saving technologies, and other eco-friendly solutions.
Moreover, IPR assists technology transfer by allowing inventors to license their technologies, and engage in partnerships which enables the circulation of clean energy technologies to various geographies and bridges the gap between developed and developing nations.
Leading Market Players:
In today’s rapidly evolving energy landscape, the drive for sustainability has never been stronger. Clean energy solutions are at the forefront of this transformation, and among the key drivers of this transition are the ground-breaking technologies and market leaders shaping the clean energy sector. Let’s delve into some of the top market leads and their contributions to the clean energy revolution.
Here are a handful of the foremost market frontrunners within the domain of clean energy.
Solar Energy:
Solar power continues to rule the clean energy market. Companies like SunPower, Tesla, Blue Raven Solar, Palmetto Solar, Elevation Solar, Green Home Systems, Momentum Solar, Sunrun are the best solar companies of 2024 according to Forbes Home. Additionally, innovative approaches such as solar leasing and community solar projects are intensifying the access to solar energy.
Wind Energy:
The wind energy industry is undergoing rapid expansion driven by the advancements in turbine technology and favorable market conditions. Siemens, General Electric, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, RWE Renewables, NextEra Energy, Vestas, Avangrid, EDP Renewables North America, Renewable Energy Systems Americas, Suzlon are the top 10 leading companies in the wind power industry. Offshore wind projects, in particular, are gaining momentum, offering vast potential for clean energy generation along coastal regions worldwide.
Hydrogen Energy:
In the realm of hydrogen fuel technology, several notable companies stand out as leaders in the field. Air Products & Chemicals Inc. and Linde PLC are global giants renowned for their expertise in industrial gases and hydrogen production. Plug Power Inc. specializes in providing hydrogen fuel cell systems for industrial applications, while Ballard Power Systems Inc. focuses on developing hydrogen fuel cells for transportation. Automotive giants like Toyota Motor Corporation and Hyundai Motor Company are also investing heavily in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. These establishments are driving innovation and shaping the future of hydrogen fuel technology, poised to usher in a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape.
Renewable energy finds applications in various sectors, including powering electric vehicles and enabling carbon capture and storage technologies, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape.
Electric Vehicles:
The global shift towards electric transportation is accelerating. Common models found in the electric vehicle industry encompass Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles, also referred to as “FCEVs,” “Zero-Emission Vehicles,” or “Alternative Fuel Vehicles.” The global electric vehicle market is dominated by BYD Co., Ltd., Tesla, Inc., Volkswagen AG, SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile, Stellantis N.V., and Hyundai Motor Company.
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS):
Carbon capture technology, aiming to cut down CO2 emissions from heavy industries like power plants and cement kilns, is gaining momentum. Initially used for enhanced oil recovery, it has evolved since the 1920s, with projects like the Sleipner CCS plant leading the way in permanent underground storage. Companies focusing on decarbonization and permanent CO2 removal could reshape the industry, potentially supporting more projects dedicated to permanent storage in the future. Among the leading point-source carbon capture companies, Aker Carbon Capture, Calix Limited, Carbon America, Carbon Clean, CarbonFree, Carbon8 Systems, Chart Industries, Capsol Technologies AS, and NET Power stand out. These companies specialize in capturing emissions directly from industrial smokestacks, offering solutions applicable across various sectors such as cement, steel, fertilizers, power generation, natural gas processing, petrochemical facilities, and hydrogen production.
Energy Storage:
Energy Storage Systems (ESS) capture and store energy to balance supply and demand, integrating renewables and boosting grid stability with technologies like batteries, pumped hydro, and more. They support efficient, resilient energy systems, ensuring sustainability and reliability. Tesla, LG Chem, Samsung SDI, Panasonic, ABB, Siemens, Saft Batteries, Aquion Energy, Fluence Energy, ESS Inc., Red Flow dominate the market for energy storage systems.
A look at startups:
Startups are pivotal in advancing innovation and sustainability within the renewable energy sector. Despite challenges, such as those faced in 2020, the demand for renewable energy continues to soar, with startups at the leading the way in this movement.
- Solar energy startups like Freyr Energy are offering solar-based energy solutions, enabling users to utilize clean energy and reduce reliance on traditional sources.
- EcoFlow is innovating in portable power stations and solar panels, providing convenient renewable energy solutions for consumers on-the-go.
- Enpal is notable for its end-to-end approach, manufacturing and installing solar panels to streamline renewable energy adoption for customers.
- Epishine is revolutionizing indoor energy harvesting, while Common Energy is pioneering electricity management platforms, linking households to renewable energy sources.
- Hydrogen One and Carbo Culture are driving advancements in hydrogen fuel production and biomass conversion, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
- Global Energy Generation, formerly Doral Renewables, is making significant strides in the wind energy sector, operating wind farms across vast expanses worldwide to generate renewable energy for industrial and private consumption.
Fostering Collaboration: Accelerating Progress through Partnerships in Renewable Energy in recent years
Intellectual property serves as a critical foundation for fostering collaborations in renewable energy by providing a framework for protecting ideas and inventions. By safeguarding intellectual property rights, stakeholders are encouraged to share knowledge, collaborate on research, and jointly develop innovative solutions. This protection incentivizes investment in collaborative ventures and ensures that all parties involved benefit from their contributions, ultimately accelerating progress in the renewable energy sector.
EU-Funded Project Spurs Collaboration for Sustainable Energy Solutions in Eastern Partnership Countries
The EU-funded ENER2I project spurred collaboration between businesses and researchers in Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries and the EU, focusing on Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, and Moldova. It aimed to tackle energy security challenges and promote renewable energy solutions by offering innovation vouchers and funding to small businesses.
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and collaborations
This network of renewable energy collaborations, led by NREL and involving national and international partners, targets Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by addressing key challenges and accelerating the transition to clean energy. Joint institutes like CEMAC and JISEA provide objective analysis, guide energy investment, and support the energy economy’s transformation. Energy Frontier Research Centers like BioLEC, CABES, and CHOISE push scientific boundaries to enable energy breakthroughs. Consortia like ChemCatBio, DuraMAT, and ElectroCat focus on catalyst development, photovoltaic materials, and fuel cell technologies to boost energy security and economic growth.
Toyota and Panasonic Form Joint Venture to Advance Automotive Battery Business
Toyota Motor Corporation and Panasonic Corporation have formalized contracts to integrate their businesses and establish a joint venture focused on automotive prismatic battery production. The collaboration aims to address challenges in vehicle electrification while meeting evolving consumer and environmental demands. Leveraging Toyota’s expertise in electrified vehicles and Panasonic’s battery manufacturing capabilities, the joint venture aims to lead in battery development and manufacturing, accelerating electrified vehicle adoption and addressing global environmental challenges.
Ørsted and Amazon expand cooperation with additional corporate power purchase agreements
Amazon and Ørsted have announced two new corporate power purchase agreements (CPPAs) totaling 116 MW of capacity, covering both onshore and offshore wind projects. These agreements entail Amazon procuring 100 MW from Ørsted’s Borkum Riffgrund 3 Offshore Wind Farm in Germany, in addition to the previously signed 250 MW CPPA. Furthermore, Amazon will be obtaining the output of the 16 MW Ballykeel Onshore Wind Farm in Northern Ireland. These deals align with Amazon’s goal of combating climate change and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, while also supporting Ørsted’s efforts to stabilize revenues and advance renewable energy projects. Ørsted’s leadership in offshore wind CPPAs is further exemplified by these agreements, contributing to its target of carbon neutrality in energy generation by 2025 and full value chain decarbonization by 2040, in alignment with the Science Based Targets initiative.
Skellefteå Kraft and Northvolt in strategic partnership to develop sustainable engery solutions
Skellefteå Kraft, known for its hydro and wind power in Sweden, sees its partnership with Northvolt as crucial for leading the transition to a sustainable energy system. Focusing on tailored energy storage solutions, the collaboration promises innovative advancements tailored to Skellefteå Kraft’s needs. Additionally, Skellefteå Kraft will use waste heat from Northvolt’s battery factory for district heating, boosting environmental sustainability and economic viability. For Northvolt, this alliance is a strategic step toward a fossil-free society, utilizing Skellefteå Kraft’s carbon-free hydro power. Together, both companies aim to create a green ecosystem and collaborate with other partners in Northvolt’s network.
Global Infrastructure Partners and TotalEnergies announce a strategic partnership in U.S.
Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) and TotalEnergies have joined forces to boost the U.S. renewable energy sector. This collaboration aims to accelerate renewable power deployment in the U.S. by utilizing Clearway’s assets and TotalEnergies’ marketing capabilities. Additionally, it will support SunPower’s expansion in distributed energy resources.
These market leads represent just a snapshot of the diverse and rapidly expanding clean energy sector. The landscape is continually evolving as technological advancements, policy changes, and market forces shape the future of clean energy.
A peek into the future energy trends:
Over the next five years, the world is poised to add more renewable energy capacity than in the entire history of commercial renewable power plants. Around 3,700 GW of new renewable capacity will be installed between 2023 and 2028, driven by supportive policies in over 130 countries. Key milestones expected include:
- By 2024, wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) combined will surpass hydropower in electricity generation.
- In 2025, renewables will overtake coal as the largest source of electricity generation.
- Both wind and solar PV will individually surpass nuclear electricity generation in 2025 and 2026, respectively.
- By 2028, more than 42% of the world’s electricity will come from renewable sources, and wind and solar power will make up 25% of that.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the synergy between Intellectual Property (IP) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offers a promising path forward. By stimulating innovation and creativity, IP not only drives economic progress but also addresses the global challenges outlined by the SDGs
Rather than looking at an SDG in isolation, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasize how progress in one area can positively impact others. For instance, transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also improves energy access, fosters economic growth, and enhances environmental sustainability.
Intellectual property can support the development and deployment of clean technologies, helping to mitigate climate change and build resilience to its impacts. Ensuring the integrity of intellectual property is vital for promoting innovation and advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by incentivizing creativity, investment, and the sharing of knowledge.
To consolidate everything in alignment with statistical data, we can see that, patents serve as an indicator for innovation. Thus, analyzing patent figures can provide insights into the advancement achieved towards the accomplishment of the abovementioned SDGs. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to note that other factors including policies, regulations, and socioeconomic factors play significant roles. Therefore, though patent statistics can be a valuable indicator, it should be considered along with other indicators to assess the headway to SDGs
References:
- https://www.wipo.int/about-ip/en/
- https://www.wipo.int/web/ipday/2024-sdgs/index
- https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/energy
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- https://www.iea.org/energy-system/renewables
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- https://northvolt.com/articles/skellefteaa-kraft-and-northvolt-in-strategic-partnerhsip-to-develop-sustainable-energy-solutions/
- https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/global-infrastructure-partners-and-totalenergies-announce-a-strategic-partnership-in-u-s-renewables-including-their-controlling-stakes-in-clearway-energy-group-and-sunpower-corporation-856448289.html
- https://orsted.com/en/media/news/2021/12/20211201449311
