Project background

Technology Needs Assessments (TNAs) are a set of country-driven activities that identify and determine the mitigation and adaptation technology priorities of countries. TNAs are central to the work of Parties to the Convention (art. 4.5 UNFCCC). They present a unique opportunity for countries to track their needs for new equipment, techniques, services, capacities and skills necessary to mitigate GHG emissions and reduce the vulnerability of sectors and livelihoods to climate change. TNA development is a key component of the Poznan Strategic Programme on Technology Transfer supported by the GEF.

UNEP, on behalf of the GEF, is implementing a new round of TNAs with objectives that go beyond identifying technology needs narrowly. The TNAs will lead to the development of a national Technology Action Plan (TAP) that prioritizes technologies, recommends an enabling framework for the diffusion of these technologies and facilitates identification of good technology transfer projects and their links to relevant financing sources. The TAP will systematically address practical actions necessary to reduce or remove policy, finance and technology related barriers.

UNEP DTIE in collaboration with the UNEP Risoe Centre will provide targeted financial, technical and methodological support to assist 36 countries in conducting TNA projects. An initial round of 15 countries from Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean and Europe are being supported in the first round since early 2010. Additional 21 countries were selected in the last quarter of 2010.