DNV at COP29

2024 is likely to be the year when energy-related emissions will peak, according to DNV’s latest Energy Transition Outlook forecast. Emissions are set to almost halve by 2050, but this is a long way short of the requirements of the Paris Agreement. The slow decline of post-peak emissions means that there is still much work to do:

• Overall, renewables will grow 2.2x from now to 2030, well behind the COP28 goal of tripling to 2030.
• The expected reduction in energy-related CO₂ emissions in 2025 (-0.4%) is marginal and uncertain.
• Slow scaling of decarbonization solutions in hard-to-electrify sectors like heavy industry, maritime, and aviation is an ongoing challenge.
• Global energy-related CO₂ emissions will be reduced by 5% by 2030, compared with 2023. In 2050, CO₂ emissions will be at 17 Gt — half the present level. This is two decades later than the 2030 halving of CO₂ emissions outlined by the IPCC, and very far from net zero in 2050.
• Cumulative emissions drive a global temperature increase, and we are most likely heading towards a 2.2°C global temperature increase in 2100. 

How can we accelerate the energy transition? 

Emissions peaking is a major milestone, but the focus must remain on how quickly emissions decline. This will require leveraging every strategy and solution to combat global warming, while maximizing efficiency. 

Ultimately, success in the energy transition will require the convergence of policy, AI, digital technology, and finance — all working together efficiently to drive decarbonization.

Energy policy is a critical driver of this transition and must align urgently with climate goals to be effective. At the same time, technologies like AI offer significant potential to accelerate progress. For example, AI models are already being used to optimize wind farm energy production and predict battery life, both essential for scaling renewable energy systems.

An important topic in the energy transition is financing, as trillions of dollars are needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the worsening effects of climate change. A key challenge is ensuring that green finance pathways are accessible to developing economies, so no one is left behind in the transition.

DNV at COP29

At COP29, DNV will collaborate with its customers, policymakers, sector associations, and other third-sector players to discuss the challenges and opportunities related to policy, AI, finance, and decarbonization, and create bridges to a more sustainable world.

Follow DNV on social media to stay up to date on all the events and speaking opportunities we’ll participate in at COP29. Please read more below about some of the most important conversations we’ll contribute to during the conference.

Meet the DNV team at COP29

Al-Karim Govindji
Global Head of Public Affairs, Energy Systems

Al-Karim looks forward to connecting with you on global energy policy, geopolitics, energy transition, and NDCs. He engages actively with governments, sector associations, and customers on a range of topics, including renewables, oil and gas decarbonization, CCUS, grids, and AI. Get in touch with Al-Karim. 

Astrid Helene Rusås Kristoffersen 
Group Director Research & Development

Astrid will be engaging with policymakers and industry representatives with the mission to accelerate the energy transition. As the director of DNV’s strategic R&D unit, her portfolio includes research into energy and digital transformation, with a focus on AI-enabled systems supporting the energy transition. Get in touch with Astrid. 

Christopher Lilholm 
Acting Global Head of ESG & Sustainability, Supply Chain & Product Assurance

Chris will be engaging and connecting with key clients within the financial and hard-to-abate sectors with the mission to accelerate responsible and credible decarbonization. Looking to connect with Chris and our supply chain and product assurance experts at COP29 to learn how DNV can support your sustainability agenda on topics like green claim validation, carbon emission assurance,  sustainable finance, supply chain sustainability, and navigating regulations like CBAM? Schedule a meeting with Christopher in Baku. 

Dr Nichola (Niki) Hutson 
Head of Sustainable Finance & ESG Advisory UK & Africa, Supply Chain & Product Assurance

Niki will be engaging and connecting with key clients within the financial and hard-to-abate sectors, with the mission to collaborate and open up pathways to credible climate finance. Connect with Niki as a Sustainable Finance & ESG advisory subject matter expert at COP29 from 11 to 16 November, and learn how DNV can support your sustainable finance agenda, alongside topics on taxonomies, regulations, and much more. Schedule a meeting with Niki in Baku.

Sandeep Lele
Head of Sustainability, Middle East

Sandeep will be available from 12 to 14 November to discuss sustainability and climate change topics for the Middle East. Are you interested in understanding how DNV can support your ambitions for the Middle East regarding decarbonization, ESG report assurance, green claims, sustainable finance, ESG assessments of your supply chain, VCS/GCC verifications and training related to these topics? Get in touch with Sandeep. 

Anjana Sharma
Head of Sustainability and Climate Change Services, India

Anjana will be available from 12 to 14 November and is excited to chat about sustainability and climate change topics with you. Interested in how DNV can help with decarbonization, carbon neutrality, ESG report assurance or advisory, CBAM advisory, green claims, or sustainable finance? Or maybe you're curious about VCS/GCC validation and verifications for GHG projects? Let's dive into all these possibilities together! Get in touch with her to book an in-person meeting. 

Angelos Pastras
Senior Energy Storage Consultant, Energy Systems

Angelos has served as a delegate at COP26 through COP29 and currently leads the Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Transition Youth Action group. He is an Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) UK Carbon Champion, a Rising Leader Fellow with Aspen Institute UK, and a member of the Young Engineers Future Leaders for World Federation of Engineering Organisations (WFEO). 

Tim Hare
Head of Sales, UK & Ireland, Energy Systems

Tim is responsible for business development and sales across our Energy Systems business in the UK and Irish market, where DNV supports the acceleration and risk management of the energy transition. He has a strong technical background, with experience from across the whole of the Energy System. Please get in touch with Tim to arrange a chat about how DNV can support you.

Scaling renewables

Scaling renewables is key to accelerating the energy transition. What are the challenges, opportunities, technologies, and solutions to help us get there?

Decarbonizing oil and gas

Despite targets to halve emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050, hydrocarbons will remain an integral part of the energy mix for the foreseeable future. However, innovative new technologies and methodologies are helping the oil and gas industry reduce emissions.

ESG, decarbonization and sustainable finance

With all eyes on finance at COP29, delivering realistic pathways at country and grassroots level is critical to enabling positive climate action.

AI and digitalization

Digital transformation is essential for driving the energy transition. As future energy systems grow increasingly complex, only the effective implementation of digital technology – including AI - can manage this complexity.