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℠.


 

INNIO and Net Zero Innovation Hub Deliver World-First 3 MW Demonstration of 100% Hydrogen Backup Power for Data Centers

By Christine Kjær Jacobsen • April 23, 2026
INNIO and the Net Zero Innovation Hub for Data Centers achieve an industry-first demonstration of 100% hydrogen-fueled backup power at the 3 MW scale Technical experts from Microsoft, Google, and Data4 witnessed live testing, assessing performance under real-world data center conditions

Erin Henderson joins the Board of the Net Zero Innovation Hub for Data Centers

By Christine Kjær Jacobsen • March 19, 2026
The Net Zero Innovation Hub for Data Centers is pleased to announce that Erin Henderson (Microsoft) has joined the Hub’s Board of Directors.

Net Zero Start-up Hub kicks off first incubation program in Fredericia

By Christine Kjær Jacobsen • January 8, 2026
The Net Zero Start-up Hub has officially kicked off its first incubation program, bringing six international and Danish start-ups together in Fredericia to accelerate the development of next-generation solutions for sustainable data centers and digital infrastructure.

Microsoft’s Melissa Lott appointed to the Board of the Net Zero Innovation Hub

By Christine Kjær Jacobsen • December 18, 2025
The Net Zero Innovation Hub for Data Centers is pleased to announce the appointment of Melissa Lott (Partner, Microsoft) as a new member of its Board of Directors.

The Net Zero Innovation Hub for Data Centers and Phinergy Sign Strategic Collaboration to Validate Clean Aluminum-Air Generator (AAG) for Energy Resilience in Large-Scale Data Centers

By Christine Kjær Jacobsen • October 28, 2025
The Net Zero Innovation Hub for Data Centers - a global consortium of leading data center stakeholders, including Danfoss, Data4, Google, Microsoft, Vertiv, and Schneider Electric—has entered into a strategic collaboration with Phinergy to validate its clean Aluminum-Air Generator (AAG) in a commercial configuration. The goal is to demonstrate its suitability for integration into large-scale data center infrastructure, paving the way for global commercial deployment.

Innovation meets Sustainability: Winners Announced at Net Zero Start-Up Hub Pitch Event in Fredericia

By Christine Kjær Jacobsen • September 24, 2025
Fredericia, 24 September 2025 – The Net Zero Innovation Hub, Business Fredericia, DTU, Google, and the Danish Data Center Industry (DDI) are proud to announce the winners of the Net Zero Start-Up Hub Pitch Event, held today at MesseC Fredericia as part of Nordic Data Center Week and Fredericia Talks.

Strategic Partnership Announcement: Net Zero Innovation Hub, Invest in Norway and Norwegian Datacenter Association.

By Christine Kjær Jacobsen • September 22, 2025
Fredericia, Denmark / Oslo, Norway, 22 September – The Net Zero Innovation Hub for Data Centers, Invest in Norway, and the Norwegian Datacenter Association today announced a strategic partnership to accelerate the transition to a zero-carbon economy in the data center sector.

Hydrogen-Fueled Generators Chosen for Clean Backup Energy in Data Centers

By Christine Kjær Jacobsen • August 28, 2025
Fredericia, 21 August 2025 - T he Net Zero Innovation Hub for Data Centers , the leading global consortium of data center stakeholders, including Danfoss , Data4 , Google , Microsoft , Vertiv , and Schneider Electric , has selected hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engine (ICE) generators as a key technology to accelerate the transition to net-zero operations of the data center industry.

Net Zero Innovation Hub joins European AI Testing & Experimentation Facility (AI TEF) for Smart and Sustainability Cities and Communities

By Christine Kjær Jacobsen • August 20, 2025
The Net Zero Innovation Hub for Data Centers is proud to announce that it has joined CitCom TEF, one of the European Union’s five new AI Test and Experimentation Facilities (TEFs). With this step, the Hub becomes part of a pan-European effort to accelerate the development of responsible AI and robotics for future cities and communities. This TEF consists of 32 partners in 11 members states,

Aluminum-air long-duration generation technology selected by Net Zero Innovation Hub for Data Centers for Groundbreaking Clean Backup Energy Initiative in Data Centers.

By Christine Kjær Jacobsen • July 29, 2025
The Net Zero Innovation Hub welcomes Phinergy as Hub member.