IRENA’s 28th Council to focus on energy transition strategies

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) kicked off its 28th Council meeting in Abu Dhabi today, ahead of the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29).

Over the next two days, IRENA Members will discuss key issues surrounding the global energy transition, focusing on the goal of tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030, as recommended in the Outcome of the First Global Stocktake.

A recent IRENA report, Delivering on the UAE Consensus: Tracking Progress Toward Tripling Renewable Energy Capacity and Doubling Energy Efficiency by 2030, produced in collaboration with the COP28 and COP29 Presidencies, the Government of Brazil (COP30 host), the Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan, and the Global Renewables Alliance (GRA), reveals that current national plans are expected to deliver only half of the necessary growth in renewable power by 2030 to keep global temperature rises within the 1.5°C limit.

Strategic partnerships

During its 28th session, the IRENA Council will dive into discussions on national approaches to the energy transition, exploring both the challenges and the opportunities for scaling up financial support for renewable energy initiatives.

The focus will also be on the role of innovative technologies and strategic partnerships, especially in accelerating the energy transformation for small island nations.

Over the course of the two-day gathering, participants will also review and evaluate the implementation of IRENA’s ongoing work programme and budget, working together to drive further progress in the global renewable energy shift.

IRENA Council chair Dr. Gloria Magombo, Secretary for Energy and Power Development, Zimbabwe said, “The alarming gap between the current global trajectory of the renewables-based energy transition and our collective climate targets underscore the urgency of IRENA’s mission. As Chair, I am committed to ensure that the 28th IRENA Council meets with collaborative resolve in support of the Agency’s work to accelerate progress across its Membership.” 

“The 1.5°C target is still within reach, but the risk of missing it is becoming increasingly near,” said IRENA director-general Francesco La Camera. “The third round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) must close the gap towards 2030. With COP29 less than a month away, the gathering of the IRENA Council presents another opportunity to re-emphasise the urgent need to approach Baku with significantly heightened ambition.”