renewable energy

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is convening today in Abu Dhabi for its 27th Council meeting. The two-day meeting gathers representatives from 105 countries to discuss critical issues facing the energy transition.

This comes following United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ recent issuing of an urgent call for climate action.

IRENA members will focus on a number of areas, including:

• Scaling up and de-risking renewable energy investments towards realising decarbonisation and sustainable development goals,
• Bolstering partnerships with private sector entities and utilities, and
• Delving into best practices for energy planning.

In May this year, IRENA was officially tasked with the establishment of a special annual report series dedicated to monitoring progress and providing recommendations on achieving key energy goals of the UAE Consensus set at COP28.

“Despite the world installing more renewable energy capacity in 2023 than any previous year, additions were still only half of what is necessary to limit rising temperatures to 1.5 degrees Celsius,” commented IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera.

“To meet the global target of tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030, a significant increase in commitment and action from both public and private sectors is essential,” added La Camera.

The IRENA head noted that the organisation will play a “pivotal role” in ensuring transparency and accountability by tracking progress and facilitating implementation towards the energy goals set at COP28.

La Camera met with Guterres last week and emphasised the critical need to prioritise energy infrastructure in the climate agenda, it was shared.

“A renewables-based energy transition is not only the most effective climate solution available but also key to addressing the energy access challenges many countries currently face,” said Dr Gloria Magombo, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Energy and Power Development, Zimbabwe and 27th IRENA Council Chair.

“As Council chair, I am committed to ensuring that IRENA’s exceptional work in advocacy, support, and progress tracking is fully supported by its members.”

At the meeting, the Council will also facilitate consultation and cooperation among IRENA Members to review the Agency’s work programme, budget and annual report, among other relevant administrative and institutional matters.