IRENA to oversee the advancement of UAE's renewable energy objectives

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, President of COP28, has officially assigned the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) the task of creating a specialised annual report series.

This series will focus on monitoring progress and offering recommendations to achieve key energy objectives outlined in the UAE Consensus established at COP28.

The commitment to triple renewable power capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030 reflects crucial aspects of the global effort to combat climate change and attain the 1.5°C target. The UAE Consensus underscores the necessity of transitioning from fossil fuels in energy systems in a fair, organised, and equitable manner, with the ultimate goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

Social development

COP28 President Dr Sultan Al Jaber said, “Tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030 are central parts of the UAE Consensus, agreed by all 198 Parties at COP28. IRENA’s annual report will track and monitor global progress against these targets, which are crucial in ensuring we turn agreement into action and keep 1.5°C within reach. The energy transition offers the greatest opportunity for social and economic development since the industrial revolution, and in IRENA we have a partner who understands both the need to transition to renewable energy and the huge economic opportunity this offers.”

IRENA director-general Francesco La Camera welcomed the recognition of IRENA’s new custodian role saying, “I confirm the unwavering commitment by IRENA to the successful implementation of the historic UAE Consensus. Given the centrality of the Agency’s World Energy Transitions Outlook 1.5°C Pathway to the tripling of renewables and doubling of energy efficiency goals, IRENA is best placed to monitor progress towards these vital outcomes and ensure commitments are transformed into firm action and progress on the ground.”

The new annual tracking report, which will be led, developed and published by IRENA, as official Custodian Agency, each year from 2024 to 2030, will feature the latest data and projections concerning the tripling of renewables and doubling of energy efficiency by 2030, providing timely and accurate inputs to future COP engagements.