On 17 March 2025, Pär Gebauer, Industry Sector Lead of the Technical Support Unit (TSU) of the Mitigation Action Facility (MAF), participated in an expert feedback session on Volume 2 of UNIDO’s NDC 3.0 Guidebook for Industrial Decarbonization. The session, held in Berlin on the eve of the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue (BETD), gathered 18 key actors working in industrial decarbonization for an in-depth exchange on refining the guidebook.
Designed as a practical resource for policymakers, the guidebook provides a structured decision tree for policy options, regulations, and technological measures along the five key pillars: ‘Resource Efficiency’, ‘Energy Efficiency’, ‘Low-Carbon Energy’, ‘Electrification’ and ‘Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage’. The closed-door workshop aimed to ensure that the guidebook reflects real-word needs and best practices by integrating insights from experienced stakeholders such as the TSU’s Industry Sector Lead.
MAF’s Perspective: Advancing Holistic Industrial Policy
Industry policy is about shaping what, how and where industrial products are produced while aligning with national development goals, resource availability, and global trade and finance dynamics. While the guidebook offers a strong framework for identifying policy measures across its five pillars, a more integrated approach that accounts for economic and trade dependencies is essential. On behalf of the TSU, Pär emphasised the importance of this holistic perspective during the session, highlighting MAF’s approach to providing financial and technical support to emerging and developing economies for green and equitable industrial development.
Navigating Complexity and Unlocking Synergies for Effective Decarbonization
One occurring theme during the discussions was the need for a more interconnected analysis across the five technical pillars. Participants agreed that assessing industrial decarbonization options sequentially could overlook crucial synergies and trade-offs between different approaches. Instead, a more dynamic perspective across different decarbonisation practices is required to develop policies that effectively balance technological feasibility, financial viability, and broader economic implications.
The event reinforced the complexity of industrial decarbonisation and the importance of a structured yet flexible approach for policymakers. UNIDO’s guidebook represents a valuable step in this direction, offering clear pathways for decision-making. For the MAF, these insights are particularly relevant when assessing project proposals and structuring future calls for proposals, ensuring that supported initiatives align with both technical good practices and broader economic realities.
Strengthening Collaboration and Policy Alignment
Contributions from TSU and other experts to the session were well received, and key suggestions will be incorporated into the final revision of the guidebook, set for completion by mid-year. Additionally, all contributors, will be acknowledged in the final publication.
Beyond the guidebook, the session served as an excellent networking opportunity, strengthening MAF’s connections with partners such as UNIDO through the Global Matchmaking Platform. These relationships will be instrumental in shaping future industrial decarbonization initiatives.
What’s Next?
As MAF continues to drive innovation in sustainable industrial transformation, the insights gained from the BETD peer-review session will inform ongoing efforts to mobilise investments and facilitate partnerships. By aligning financial and technical assistance with real-world policy challenges, MAF remains committed to supporting countries deliver on their NDCs and accelerate their transition to low-carbon industrial systems.
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