Also, the number of major investors are quite small due the large capital requirement and they are quite resistant to significant changes in the sector. The role of government in facilitating the technology transfer of GHG reducing technologies will continue to be important. Especially important is liberalization of the energy market combined with appropriate environmental regulation. Technology transfer in the fossil fuel sector is mature, and well-established mechanisms are in place in most countries. Technology is readily available from a wide variety of sources, such as the oil and gas industry, engineering contractors, equipment vendors, etc.
Technology transfer comes with investment.
The key to transfer of technology in the fossil fuel sector is to promote investment. Incremental improvements in technology transfer are being made and should continue to be encouraged by using policy instruments, such as education and awareness programmes and voluntary agreements. To promote successful transfer of nuclear technology, major government involvement is needed. The large capital costs, public acceptance, availability of cheap domestic fossil fuel and the resolution of safety and waste disposal concerns provide significant barriers to the use of nuclear. In many cases, nuclear proliferation issues are a major problem to be addressed by governments and other international institutions.