Clean Technologies

Clean technologies (or cleantech) are the set of processes, products and services that harness renewable resources and minimise the environmental impact of human activity, with the primary goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. They are a central lever for climate change mitigation and the decarbonisation of the economy.

Key characteristics

• Sustainability: they use renewable resources and reduce dependence on non-renewable ones.
• Low emissions: they significantly reduce or eliminate GHG emissions.
• Energy efficiency: they optimise energy use and reduce waste.
• Innovation: they drive research and development of new environmental solutions.

Types of clean technologies

Renewable energies

Renewable energies are the best-known example:

• Solar: photovoltaic and solar thermal.
• Wind: onshore and offshore turbines.
• Hydropower: from the movement of water.
• Bioenergy: energy derived from biomass.
• Geothermal: harnesses heat from inside the Earth.

Efficiency and mobility

• Smart buildings that optimise heating, cooling and lighting.
• Sustainable mobility: electric and hydrogen vehicles and efficient public transport.
• Optimised industrial processes that reduce consumption and emissions.

Resource management

• Water treatment and reuse.
• Recycling systems and energy recovery from waste, within the framework of the circular economy.
• Precision agriculture and sustainable farming practices.

Carbon capture technologies

Carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) technologies aim to remove CO₂ from industrial processes or the atmosphere, contributing to the removal of carbon from the hardest-to-abate emissions.

Benefits

• Environmental: lower carbon footprint, improved air quality and resource conservation.
• Economic: energy savings, job creation and greater competitiveness.
• Social: improved public health and access to energy in developing regions.

Challenges

• Upfront costs: the initial investment can be high, although it is recouped through savings. Incentives and climate finance are key to accelerating adoption.
• Infrastructure: they require adapting electricity grids or rolling out charging points.
• Research and development: continued improvement in efficiency and cost reduction is needed.

Regulatory context

In the European Union, the deployment of clean technologies is supported by the European Green Deal and Directive (EU) 2023/1791 on energy efficiency, which strengthens energy saving and efficiency obligations. These policies incentivise corporate investment in low-carbon solutions.

Clean technologies are an essential tool for reducing the carbon footprint and advancing towards climate neutrality. At Manglai we help companies measure their carbon footprint and quantify the impact of their investments in efficiency and renewable energies. Discover how Manglai can help you.