The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) kicked off its 28th Council meeting today, marking a crucial juncture in the global energy transition.
As the world races against time to meet ambitious climate targets, the Council’s deliberations will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of renewable energy.
Secretary for Energy and Power Development of Zimbabwe and current IRENA Council Chair, Gloria Magombo, underscored the urgency of the situation.
“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,” she said.
The 28th Council meeting, held in Abu Dhabi, comes just weeks before the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29).
The Council is expected to discuss a range of critical topics related to the energy transition, including the progress made towards the ambitious goals set out in the Outcome of the First Global Stocktake.
These goals include tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030.
“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.”
The 28th IRENA Council will also engage in discussions on national experiences in energy transition, challenges and opportunities to enhance the mobilisation of finance towards renewables, and innovative technologies and partnerships essential for the energy transformation of small island economies.
The two-day meetings will also collaboratively consider the implementation of the Agency’s work programme and budget.
IRENA recently launched ‘#3xRenewables for the planet and its people‘, a global campaign designed to drive action and collaboration towards tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030.