COP29 and Klarian’s Role in a More Sustainable Future

The UK has led the world in decarbonising its energy supply, reducing emissions by 75% since 1990. Yet, like many nations, it remains dependent on fossil fuels for a significant portion of its energy.

Meanwhile, COP29 host Azerbaijan continues to derive 98% of its energy from fossil fuels. The energy transition is underway, but its pace varies greatly across regions. Even the most progressive nations still rely on fossil fuels. With COP29 in focus, an important question arises: if fossil fuels are still part of the energy mix, how can their emissions be minimised?

Currently, fossil fuels account for 27.5% of the UK’s energy generation. The National Energy System Operator’s (NESO) optimistic Future Energy Scenarios show that achieving net zero by 2050 will leave little room for error. Even under the best scenarios, natural gas plays a key role until at least the late 2030s.

While COP29 headlines centre on renewable technologies and financing—such as a landmark $300 billion deal—it's equally essential to address how existing fuels can be made less polluting. Transitioning to renewables cannot happen overnight, especially for nations with heavy dependence on fossil fuels. Addressing the environmental impact of current energy sources must be part of the strategy, at least in the short term.

Carbon capture and storage offer one potential solution; however, the technology remains unproven at scale. An alternative, more immediate measure is reducing energy demand. This can be approached from both industry and consumer perspectives, but fossil fuel infrastructure represents a major opportunity. Pumping oil and gas through pipelines is highly energy-intensive, consuming more than 20% of the world’s electrical energy. Improving efficiency in this area could make a significant impact.

Earlier this year, Klarian’s Juno Perform software helped the British Pipeline Agency (BPA) achieve efficiency improvements of up to 278% in some of its pumping routes. These gains were realised through operational adjustments without requiring additional capital expenditure. Such efficiency improvements are pivotal for managing emissions while the energy transition progresses.

The benefits extend beyond immediate emissions reductions. As more industrial and consumer technologies become electrified, the demand on electricity grids intensifies. By reducing overall electrical consumption, efficiency improvements can lessen the need for costly grid upgrades, ultimately accelerating the transition to renewable energy. NESO itself recommends energy management systems for industrial applications to tackle this challenge. The Internet of Things (IoT) facilitates efficient data collection, while AI-powered software like Juno Perform analyses this data to deliver actionable improvements.

This technology is not limited to traditional fossil fuel systems. It can be applied across diverse industrial pumping systems, regardless of the fluid being transported. For instance, as hydrogen adoption grows, these systems can help transport it more efficiently, reducing strain on the grid. This means investments in efficiency technologies are not just short-term fixes—they offer long-term benefits to the energy system as well. Operators also gain significantly, as more efficient pumps are cheaper to operate. Energy consumption accounts for 85% of a pump’s lifetime costs, and improved efficiency reduces the wear and tear on equipment, extending its lifespan and lowering maintenance costs. These improvements align business priorities with sustainability goals, making emissions reduction both attainable and mutually beneficial.

Building a More Sustainable Future

The energy transition is advancing at varying rates globally. While the UK has made substantial progress in decarbonising its energy supply, the path to net zero remains complex. Energy management systems will be critical in minimising emissions, easing the strain on infrastructure, and reducing the need for costly grid upgrades. This same lesson applies universally. Greater efficiency in industrial processes—particularly in pipeline operations—is an essential step towards achieving net zero goals.

For pipeline operators, the mandate is clear: their primary objective is to transport products as efficiently as possible. Klarian’s Juno Perform software supports this mission, aligning with the operational goals of stakeholders across the energy sector. By implementing such technology, companies can achieve smoother adoption and far-reaching impacts. The success of Juno Perform within BPA’s UKOP network demonstrates what’s possible. Its approach can be replicated worldwide while also improving the ecology and environmental protection from fossil fuels.

With solutions like Juno Perform, the energy industry has the tools to bridge the gap between current reliance on fossil fuels and the renewable future we aspire to achieve.