Objectives of the service
There is an unprecedented need to achieve sustainable, green and inclusive economic growth to meet the challenge of decarbonising our economies. Various actors, including governments, companies and other organisations, have started to adopt emission reduction targets to achieve this goal.
There is an urgent need to establish space as a key pillar to contribute to the decarbonisation challenge facing society.
This enabling study will help to understand the opportunities for space systems upstream (enhanced/new mission concept), downstream (space-based products/services), and/or the integration of new technical developments such as AI, IoT, Digital Twins for SatCom, SatEO and SatNav in support of decarbonisation and guide next steps on the most relevant priorities and topics to be addressed. It will provide context and the most urgent actions to be taken in the context of the Green Value and Sustainable Mobility Opportunity with a emphasis on energy and utilities, buildings and food production.
Users and their needs
The study aims to engage the main greenhouse gas generating sectors in terms of user groups and decarbonisation needs. It aims to identify the main investments planned in the sectors to support the green transition. The sectors of energy and utilities, buildings, industry and food production will be analysed in detail.
Decarbonisation requirements in the food production sector include:
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Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture and livestock farming
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Improving energy efficiency
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Reducing food waste
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Promoting sustainable agriculture
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Improving water efficiency
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Implement sustainable sourcing
Overall, the decarbonisation of the food production sector requires a holistic approach that takes into account the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the improvement of energy and water efficiency, the reduction of food waste, and the promotion of sustainable agriculture, packaging and procurement practices.
Decarbonisation requirements in the building, energy and utilities sector include:
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Improving the energy efficiency of buildings
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Shifting to renewable energy sources
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Upgrading grid infrastructure
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Promoting sustainable behaviour
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Implementing smart technologies for buildings
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Promoting sustainable design
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Investing in energy storage solutions
Service/ system concept
The study will develop a roadmap for the implementation of the technical concepts in the short and long term.
This service and system concept will enable a comprehensive and thorough assessment of the potential of satellite data in the decarbonisation process, providing valuable insights and recommendations to support decision-making and implementation.
Space Added Value
Satellite data can provide valuable information for decarbonisation, supporting the monitoring, evaluation and planning of various decarbonisation efforts. Satellite data can generate added value for decarbonisation:
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By providing detailed data on the sources and distribution of GHG emissions, helping to identify areas where decarbonisation efforts can have the greatest impact.
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By supporting renewable energy deployment, through data on weather patterns and resource availability to inform the deployment of wind, solar and other renewable energy sources.
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They can improve energy efficiency by monitoring the energy use of buildings, infrastructure and other assets, providing information on where energy efficiency can be improved.
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They can monitor changes in land use and land cover, providing information on changes in land use and land cover, helping to assess the impact of decarbonisation efforts on land use and ecosystem health.
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They can support sustainable agriculture by monitoring data on crop health and land use, helping to promote sustainable agricultural practices and reduce the carbon footprint of food production.
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They can monitor natural resource management, providing information on water resources, agriculture/forestry and other critical ecosystems, helping to manage these resources in a sustainable and low-carbon manner.
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They can generate climate models on the Earth's atmosphere and climate, improving the accuracy of climate models and helping to inform decarbonisation efforts.
Current Status
The study was kicked-off in January 2023 and it will run for nine months, and a workshop on decarbonisation will be organised in 17 -18 April European Space Centre in Transinne. Aimed at gathering needs and requirements, the workshop will be an important step towards the creation of a global plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change. The workshop aims to bring together stakeholders from the sectors (Food Production, Buildings, Energy and Utilities), including government agencies, the space industry, NGOs and the scientific community, to discuss the challenges and opportunities related to decarbonisation.
Objectives of the workshop are:
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Assess the current status of decarbonisation efforts and identify gaps and challenges that need to be addressed.
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Gather information on the data and information needs of stakeholders involved in decarbonisation efforts.
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Identify key areas where additional data and information is needed to support decarbonisation efforts.
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Identify opportunities for collaboration among stakeholders to support decarbonisation efforts.
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Overview of space-based applications for decarbonisation.
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Develop a roadmap for future decarbonisation efforts that takes into account the needs and requirements of all stakeholders.
The results of this workshop could provide valuable input for the development of a global decarbonisation plan and help ensure that efforts are targeted, effective and well supported by the necessary data and information. Registration to the workshop is available : click here.
Prime Contractor(s)
