Push for decarbonisation in Northeast Asia drives demand for UK sustainability tech
Region’s net-zero ambitions offer opportunities for UK innovators, says new report.
As Japan, South Korea and Taiwan race to decarbonise their economies and embed sustainable industrial practices, opportunities are emerging for UK companies with cutting-edge technologies that can help them achieve their ambitious net-zero targets. Despite the challenges posed by the cultural and language barriers, UK businesses with relevant expertise and an effective market entry strategy stand to gain significant traction in these high-growth markets, according to a new report.
The report explores the opportunities and challenges facing Japan, South Korea and Taiwan as they embrace decarbonisation, seek to build their domestic sustainability sectors and meet the growing expectations of their citizens around environmental responsibility. It also highlights sectors of particular interest to UK tech firms and outlines potential routes to market.
The report was produced by international business development consultancy Intralink as part of the UK-APAC Tech Growth Programme, which it delivers on behalf of the UK government to help UK companies expand in 11 Asia Pacific markets. It is available for free download here.
Key points highlighted in the report are:
Japan
Japan has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, with a range of government-backed initiatives driving a £12.7 billion sustainability market. Areas of opportunity for UK tech companies include:
green hydrogen production and storage to support the country’s energy transition goals
renewable energy solutions, particularly offshore wind and solar power for application in densely populated regions
smart grid technologies to enhance energy efficiency, grid monitoring and demand management
South Korea
The South Korean government, together with 11 of its largest conglomerates, has pledged to invest £55.5 billion by 2025 to drive decarbonisation. The country's reliance on hard-to-abate sectors such as manufacturing presents challenges but also significant opportunities for UK firms in:
cost-efficient renewable energy, including offshore wind, high-efficiency solar and energy storage technologies
advanced carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) solutions to help reduce industrial emissions
next-generation batteries to support the transportation sector’s shift to sustainability.
Taiwan
Taiwan’s sustainable technology sector is growing rapidly, driven by strong government incentives, advanced technological capabilities, and increasing public awareness of environmental issues. Key areas where UK companies can contribute include:
renewable energy expansion, particularly offshore wind and solar power
smart building technologies and the use of sustainable materials such as bamboo, wood and Insulated Concrete Forms for energy-efficient construction
circular economy innovations, supporting waste reduction and material reuse.
Sam Leng, co-author of the report at Intralink, commented:
"Japan, South Korea and Taiwan are seeking international expertise to accelerate their decarbonisation efforts. However, for UK companies, entering these markets can be challenging because of the different cultural norms, regulations and business practices."
"Through the UK-APAC Tech Growth Programme, we provide the insight and support UK businesses need to navigate these complexities and develop successful market entry strategies."
About Intralink
Intralink is a business development consultancy specialising in international markets. It helps companies secure customers, partners and investors overseas; it enables corporates to thrive through global collaboration; and it helps governments to grow their exports and attract foreign investment. Founded in 1990, the company has more than 20 locations including Shanghai, Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Singapore, Silicon Valley, LA, Boston, Washington, Toronto, Oxford, London, Paris, Düsseldorf, Helsinki, Poznan and Tel Aviv. See more at www.intralinkgroup.com
For more information, interviews, or images, please contact:
Rebecca George, TK Associates [email protected] | 07974 161108
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Associate Director for Climate, Environment and Sustainability, techUK
Craig is Associate Director for Climate, Environment and Sustainability and leads on our work in these areas ranging from climate change, ESG disclosures and due diligence, through to circular economy, business and human rights, conflict minerals and post-Brexit regulation.
Prior to joining techUK he worked in public affairs and policy has an avid interest in new and emerging technologies. Craig has a degree in Ancient History from King’s College London and spends his time watching Watford FC and holding out hope for Half Life 3.
Josh joined techUK as a Programme Manager for Telecoms and Net Zero in August 2024.
In this role, working jointly across the techUK Telecoms and Climate Programmes, Josh is responsible for leading on telecoms infrastructure deployment and uptake and supporting innovation opportunities, as well as looking at how the tech sector can be further utilised in the UK’s decarbonisation efforts.
Prior to joining techUK, Josh’s background was in public affairs and communications, working for organisations across a diverse portfolio of sectors including defence, telecoms and infrastructure; aiding clients through stakeholder engagement, crisis communications, media outreach as well as secretariat duties.
Outside of work, Josh has a keen interest in music, painting and sailing.
Alec joined techUK in 2025 as the Programme Manager for Sustainability within the Climate, Environment, and Sustainability Programme.
In his role, he helps lead on key sustainability and climate topics, including ESG disclosures, supply chain due diligence, human rights, e-waste, biodiversity, and the move to the circular economy. He also supports data centre members with sustainability challenges.
Prior to joining techUK, he worked as a policy staffer for a United States Senator. He is a graduate of the London School of Economics and Political Science and SUNY Geneseo. Outside of work, he enjoys playing sports, going to the movies, and travelling.
Programme Assistant, Data Centres, Climate, Environment and Sustainability, Market Access, techUK
Lucas Banach
Programme Assistant, Data Centres, Climate, Environment and Sustainability, Market Access, techUK
Lucas Banach is Programme Assistant at techUK, he works on a range of programmes including Data Centres; Climate, Environment & Sustainability; Market Access and Smart Infrastructure and Systems.
Before that Lucas who joined in 2008, held various roles in our organisation, which included his role as Office Executive, Groups and Concept Viability Administrator, and most recently he worked as Programme Executive for Public Sector. He has a postgraduate degree in International Relations from the Andrzej Frycz-Modrzewski Cracow University.
Associate Director for Climate, Environment and Sustainability, techUK
Craig is Associate Director for Climate, Environment and Sustainability and leads on our work in these areas ranging from climate change, ESG disclosures and due diligence, through to circular economy, business and human rights, conflict minerals and post-Brexit regulation.
Prior to joining techUK he worked in public affairs and policy has an avid interest in new and emerging technologies. Craig has a degree in Ancient History from King’s College London and spends his time watching Watford FC and holding out hope for Half Life 3.
Josh joined techUK as a Programme Manager for Telecoms and Net Zero in August 2024.
In this role, working jointly across the techUK Telecoms and Climate Programmes, Josh is responsible for leading on telecoms infrastructure deployment and uptake and supporting innovation opportunities, as well as looking at how the tech sector can be further utilised in the UK’s decarbonisation efforts.
Prior to joining techUK, Josh’s background was in public affairs and communications, working for organisations across a diverse portfolio of sectors including defence, telecoms and infrastructure; aiding clients through stakeholder engagement, crisis communications, media outreach as well as secretariat duties.
Outside of work, Josh has a keen interest in music, painting and sailing.
Alec joined techUK in 2025 as the Programme Manager for Sustainability within the Climate, Environment, and Sustainability Programme.
In his role, he helps lead on key sustainability and climate topics, including ESG disclosures, supply chain due diligence, human rights, e-waste, biodiversity, and the move to the circular economy. He also supports data centre members with sustainability challenges.
Prior to joining techUK, he worked as a policy staffer for a United States Senator. He is a graduate of the London School of Economics and Political Science and SUNY Geneseo. Outside of work, he enjoys playing sports, going to the movies, and travelling.
Programme Assistant, Data Centres, Climate, Environment and Sustainability, Market Access, techUK
Lucas Banach is Programme Assistant at techUK, he works on a range of programmes including Data Centres; Climate, Environment & Sustainability; Market Access and Smart Infrastructure and Systems.
Before that Lucas who joined in 2008, held various roles in our organisation, which included his role as Office Executive, Groups and Concept Viability Administrator, and most recently he worked as Programme Executive for Public Sector. He has a postgraduate degree in International Relations from the Andrzej Frycz-Modrzewski Cracow University.
Intralink is a business development consultancy specialising in international markets. It helps companies secure customers, partners and investors overseas; it enables corporates to thrive through global collaboration; and it helps governments to grow their exports and attract foreign investment. Founded in 1990, the company has more than 20 locations including Shanghai, Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Singapore, Silicon Valley, LA, Boston, Washington, Toronto, Oxford, London, Paris, Düsseldorf, Helsinki, Poznan and Tel Aviv.
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