Net Zero Talks: The case for net zero

June 26, 2024

Alberto Ravagni on the case for net zero

The case for Net Zero, to transform the global energy system in line with the 1.5 °C goal has never been stronger.

August 2023 was the hottest on record by a large margin, this 2024 summer is on track to break that record.

 

According to the latest report from Energy Institute and KPMG, 2023 has been a record year for the energy sector too. Renewables’ share increased to 14.6%. Together with nuclear, they represented over 18% of total primary energy consumption.


Great news, but good enough?


2023 was unfortunately another record year for the consumption of fossil fuels. Energy-related emissions for the first time ever, exceeded the 40 GtCO2 level.


If renewables growth covers the increase of global energy demand, we will accomplish an energy addition, not an energy transition.

 

Energy intensity and carbon intensity must be addressed simultaneously, separately and aggressively, if humanity wants to achieve the first energy transition in its history.

 

At the Net Zero Hub we aim to stay on the transition path and accelerate our progress by scaling net zero solutions which decarbonize energy sources and decouple growth from energy demand.



New CEO to drive the Net Zero Innovation Hub for European Data Centers

The Net Zero Innovation Hub for Data Centers announced last month the appointment of Alberto Ravagni as the CEO of the Innovation Hub. The consortium was launched in September 2023 by industry partners Data4, Danfoss, Google, Microsoft, Schneider Electric and Vertiv.


Alberto Ravagni brings over 20 years of experience in the energy industry and is a clean energy architect and industry expert in clean energy, energy storage, and fuel cell technologies. Alberto has been the co-founder and Managing Director of the consultancy firm InfraPrime℠.


 

Powering the AI Era - A briefing by the Carbon Trust, The DCA (Data Centre Alliance) and NZIH

By Christine Kjær Jacobsen • November 4, 2026
How can the UK grow its data centre capacity sustainably as AI demand accelerates? That question brought together the Carbon Trust, The DCA (Data Centre Alliance), and Net Zero Innovation Hub for Data Centers (NZIH) on 15 September 2026, alongside policymakers, networks, operators, and innovators. The discussion explored where innovation is needed to support digital growth while managing demands on energy, water, infrastructure, and communities. This briefing highlights seven areas that emerged from the discussion and the developments to watch in each. The event was held under the Chatham House Rule; contributions are non-attributed. The discussion did not seek consensus, meaning the trends are forward-looking observations rather than agreed policy positions.

New Guide Maps Out Path for Scaling Hydrogen for Data Centres

By Christine Kjær Jacobsen • November 2, 2026
The practical guide from Hydrogen Europe and Net Zero Innovation Hub answers three questions for operators, developers, and investors: when hydrogen will be available, where, and at what price.

Phinergy and Net Zero Innovation Hub unveiled the scaled-up Module of the Aluminum-Air Generator for Data Centers

October 12, 2026
AAG Module demonstrates design scalability for data center deployment

Net Zero Innovation Hub Awards €22,000 in Prizes, Selects Eight Companies for 2026-2027 Incubation Program

By Christine Kjær Jacobsen • September 22, 2026
CMBLU won the top prize of €10,000 during a ceremony at Fredericia Talks, where the Net Zero Innovation Hub announced the winners of its annual Start-Up Hub Pitch Day. Eight innovative companies were selected to join the Net Zero Start-Up Hub’s six-month incubation program.

AirJoule Technologies and the Net Zero Innovation Hub for Data Centers Announce Strategic Collaboration to Deploy Heat-To-Water Technology in Data Centers

By Christine Kjær Jacobsen • August 18, 2026
Ronan, Mont., USA and Fredericia, Denmark, - August 18, 2026 - AirJoule Technologies Corporation (Nasdaq: AIRJ) (“AirJoule”) and The Net Zero Innovation Hub for Data Centers (the “Hub”) today announced a strategic collaboration to explore how waste heat from data center operations can be integrated into heat-to-water systems.

Net Zero Innovation Hub Launches 2027 Start-Up Hub Innovation Call

By Christine Kjær Jacobsen • July 2, 2026
Building on the success of its inaugural cohort, the Net Zero Innovation Hub for Data Centers has opened applications for the 2027 Net Zero Start-Up Hub, its flagship, industry-led incubation initiative for emerging technology companies.

Six International Startups Complete Inaugural Net Zero Start-Up Hub incubation program

By Christine Kjær Jacobsen • June 26, 2026
The six-month initiative connected startups with leading companies across the data center industry to accelerate innovation in energy, cooling, heat reuse, and resource efficiency

Scaling impact beyond the fence: The Hub unites Data Center Leaders at Datacloud Global Congress

By Christine Kjær Jacobsen • May 28, 2026
DataCloud Global Congress brings together the companies shaping the future of digital infrastructure, energy systems, and AI deployment. As the industry scales to meet growing infrastructure demand, increasing focus is being placed not only on technologies inside the data center, but also on how data centers integrate with wider energy systems, communities, and infrastructure planning.

Net Zero Innovation Hub for Data Centers expands Executive Partner circle with APL

By Christine Kjær Jacobsen • May 27, 2026
The Net Zero Innovation Hub for Data Centers has welcomed APL as a new Executive Partner, marking the first expansion of the Hub’s Executive Partner circle since its establishment.

Jérôme Totel joins the Board of the Net Zero Innovation Hub for Data Centers

By Christine Kjær Jacobsen • May 7, 2026
The Net Zero Innovation Hub for Data Centers announces that Jérôme Totel, Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Committee member at Data4, has joined its Board of Directors alongside Linda Lescuyer, existing member of the board.