Today in Abu Dhabi, the 28th session of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Council opens—just prior to the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29). Over the next two days, IRENA members are expected to discuss critical issues of the energy transition, including progress in tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030, as outlined in the Outcomes of the First Global Inventory.
Recently published IRENA report titled "Achieving Consensus on the AOS: Tracking Progress Towards Increased Renewable Energy Capacity and Energy Efficiency in Three by 2030", in collaboration with the presidencies of COP28 and COP29, the government of Brazil (host of COP30), the Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan and the Global Alliance on Renewable Resources (GRA), confirms that current national plans only project a half of the necessary growth of renewable energy by 2030 to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C.
"The 1.5°C target is still within reach, but the risk of its loss is becoming ever more tangible," stated IRENA General Director Francesco La Camera. "As President, I am committed to ensuring that the 28th IRENA Council is met with collective resolve in support of the Agency's work to accelerate progress among its members".
The IRENA Council will also discuss national experiences in the energy transition, challenges and opportunities for enhancing mobilization of financing for renewable energy sources, as well as innovative technologies and partnerships necessary for the energy transformation of small island economies.
During the two-day meeting, discussions will also concurrently consider the implementation of the Agency’s work program and budget. Recently, IRENA launched a global campaign titled "#3xRenewables for the planet and its people", aimed at activating actions and collaboration to increase renewable energy capacity threefold by 2030.
As COP29 approaches in less than a month, the IRENA Council represents another opportunity to underline the ongoing necessity of a consultative approach to addressing the significant ambition levels. In his capacity as President of the IRENA Council, Dr. Gloria Magombo, Secretary for Energy and Power in Zimbabwe, stated: "The alarming gap between the current global trajectory of the energy transition based on renewable resources and our collective climate objectives underscores the urgent priority of the IRENA mission.
"The third round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) must close this gap by 2030."
