C2ES Technology Working Groups

C2ES Technology Working Groups focus on four critical-path technologies: engineered carbon removal, sustainable aviation fuel, long-duration energy storage, and clean hydrogen. These working groups provide a regular venue where stakeholders across the innovation ecosystem can convene to discuss the technical, market, and policy solutions needed to rapidly scale these technologies.

The Challenge

Meeting our long-term climate goals will require the large-scale deployment of a multitude of new, innovative technologies and low- and zero-carbon fuels across every sector of the economy. First-of-a-kind technologies will need to rapidly reach commercial scale without sacrificing safety, social equity, or sustainability. This can only be achieved through system-wide collaboration between corporate incumbents, financiers, innovators, communities, and policymakers.  

To help meet this challenge, C2ES has created four distinct technology working groups focused on the technologies of engineered carbon removal, sustainable aviation fuel, long duration energy storage, and clean hydrogen. 

Our Approach

Our working groups convene the broad ecosystem, meaning that each working group includes climate tech startups, supporting infrastructure, current/prospective buyers, trade associations, institutional investors and lenders.  

C2ES designs working group sessions based on in-house research, stakeholder interviews, and feedback from attendees. Sessions include expert presentations, breakout discussions, and interactive workshops.  

Working groups leverage the expertise of members while deepening the knowledge base of all participants. All technology working groups are under the Chatham House Rule, where participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any of the participants may be revealed. 

C2ES uses the insights from each working group to produce thought leadership, identify synergies between technologies, and generate policy recommendations that will enable rapid  deployment and responsible commercialization of these critical-path technologies.

Key Working Group Priorities:

  • Inform policy recommendations: By convening a diverse group of stakeholders that represent the entire value chain, we will develop more effective policy solutions and have a stronger voice advocating for them.
  • Gain cutting-edge insights: Reflecting that these technologies are nascent and growing industries, participation in the working group provides an opportunity to learn from other members as technology, policy, and market trends evolve.
  • Foster peer connection: The working group offers a venue for conversation and collaboration across each industry, including between stakeholders that may not normally engage with each other.

 

The Technology Innovation Ecosystem

The innovation ecosystem spans the entire technology value chain. Each working group includes both demand and supply-side perspectives, as well as other key stakeholders.

Engineered Carbon Removal

Engineered carbon removal (ECR) is a necessary complement to industrial decarbonization and the transition to clean energy. The ECR working group is focused on both direct air capture (DAC) and biomass carbon removal & storage (BiCRS).  

ECR Working Group

Long Duration Energy Storage

Long duration energy storage (LDES) is essential for enabling the widespread adoption of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. This working group is focused primarily on mechanical and electrochemical LDES with a duration of dispatch greater than ten hours. 

LDES Working Group

Clean Hydrogen

Hydrogen is a versatile zero-emissions energy carrier with significant potential to decarbonize multiple economic sectors. This working group focuses on near term opportunities to grow the market for clean hydrogen among existing and prospective use cases.  

Clean Hydrogen Working Group

Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is projected to play a crucial role in decarbonizing the aviation industry. Recognizing the diversity of the SAF industry, this working group is open to all SAF pathways.