Innovation Zero World Congress 2025, the UK's largest net zero event, will return to Olympia London on April 29-30, 2025, bringing together over 10,000 delegates including innovators, funders, policymakers, and business leaders to accelerate the global transition to a low-carbon economy.
Low Carbon Economy Transition
The transition to a low-carbon economy represents a fundamental shift in how societies produce and consume energy, requiring massive capital reallocation and infrastructure transformation. This transition involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors through multiple pathways, including renewable energy adoption, energy efficiency improvements, and sustainable transportation solutions.
Key elements driving this transition include:
- Government policies and international agreements, such as carbon pricing, emissions trading, and regulatory frameworks
- Private sector innovation and investment in clean technologies and sustainable business models
- Rapid scaling of wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources, which need to increase by over 100% from 2019 levels by 2025 to meet climate goals
- Development of enabling technologies like carbon capture, battery storage, and green hydrogen
- Economic restructuring that creates new employment opportunities while supporting workers in carbon-intensive industries through a just transition
The pace of transition varies globally, with countries like South Korea, Canada, China, and Japan establishing net-zero emissions targets and implementing specific policy measures to achieve them.
By 2030, annual clean energy investment worldwide will need to more than triple to around $4 trillion to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
UK Government-Backed Initiative
The UK government has positioned itself as a global climate leader with its ambitious Net Zero strategy, legally committing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 68% by 2030, 81% by 2035, and achieve net zero by 2050. This commitment is supported by concrete policy frameworks including the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, which aims to deliver 43-50GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030, and the Clean Industry Bonus (CIB) scheme launched in February 2025 to boost domestic clean energy manufacturing, particularly in traditionally fossil fuel-dependent regions.
Key initiatives driving the UK's transition include:
- The UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS), a cap-and-trade system that replaced EU ETS participation in January 2021, with a cap 5% lower than the UK's previous EU share
- GB Energy, a public body established to accelerate renewable energy deployment and unlock funding for previously stalled projects
- The Contract for Difference (CfD) mechanism supporting renewable energy development, with Allocation Round 6 in 2024 securing 5.34GW of new capacity
- Grid connection reforms prioritizing clean energy projects, which have helped secure £43.7 billion in private investment announcements since July 2024
- The Net Zero Council, relaunched in February 2025 with expanded membership to strengthen public-private collaboration in decarbonization efforts
Olympia London Venue
Olympia London, recently rebranded as Olympia Events, is a historic exhibition center in West Kensington that has been hosting international events since 1886. The iconic venue features several interconnected spaces including the Grand Hall (capacity 7,000), National Hall (capacity 5,000), and West Hall (capacity 3,000), collectively offering over 26,000 m² of event space.
Known for its stunning Victorian architecture, magnificent galleries, and ornate barrel-vaulted roof, the venue hosts approximately 200 events annually, attracting more than 1.6 million visitors.
The venue is currently undergoing a significant £1.3 billion redevelopment scheduled for completion in 2025, which will transform it into a "world-leading arts, events entertainment and experiential district" with new additions including a 4,400-capacity music arena, a 1,575-seat theatre, hotels, restaurants, offices, and a private secondary school. Located just 25 minutes from Heathrow Airport, Olympia is well-connected by public transport, served by five London Underground lines, London Overground, and multiple bus routes, though there are ongoing accessibility concerns regarding the lack of step-free access at the neighboring Kensington Olympia station.
Accommodation for Attendees – Hotel Indigo London Paddington
Guests attending Innovation Zero 2025 and staying at Hotel Indigo London Paddington can enjoy a boutique hotel experience with excellent transport links. Located just a 2-minute walk from Paddington Station, the hotel offers convenient access to the Heathrow Express and several London Underground lines, making travel to Olympia London seamless in under 30 minutes. The hotel features individually styled rooms inspired by the local neighborhood, with amenities including high-speed Wi-Fi, rainfall showers, and a 24-hour fitness centre. On-site dining is available at Bella Italia, offering a relaxed atmosphere for breakfast, lunch, or evening meals. The surrounding Paddington area is known for its garden squares, charming cafés, and proximity to Hyde Park — perfect for a refreshing stroll before or after the event. Hotel Indigo’s friendly staff are available 24/7 to assist with travel arrangements, local recommendations, and business services.
