This week, on the side lines of the Pre-COP event in Abu Dhabi, the COP28 Presidency, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the Global Renewables Alliance (GRA), unveiled a joint report titled “Tripling Renewable Power and Doubling Energy Efficiency by 2030: Crucial Steps Towards 1.5 °C.”
This comprehensive report offers practical policy recommendations for both governments and the private sector. It outlines strategies to boost global renewable energy capacity to a minimum of 11,000 GW, alongside doubling annual average energy efficiency improvements within the specified timeframe. These objectives align with the COP28 Presidency’s Action Agenda, which is aimed at expediting a just and orderly transition to sustainable energy and keeping the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 °C achievable.
The release of the report aligned with the Pre-COP meeting held in Abu Dhabi, taking place one month ahead of COP28. During this event, countries commenced preparations for the forthcoming climate summit negotiations. This report functions as a valuable reference for participating parties, offering guidance on the essential components required to meet the specified energy goals.
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COP28 President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber emphasised in the report, “tripling the deployment of renewable power generation and doubling energy efficiency are among the most pivotal levers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. I call upon all stakeholders to unite, commit to common goals, and take comprehensive domestic and international actions, as outlined in this report, to turn our ambitions into reality.”
Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA, added, “our mission is crystal clear and pressing: We must collectively triple renewable power capacity by 2030. This requires addressing deeply ingrained systemic obstacles across infrastructure, policy, and institutions rooted in the fossil fuel era. IRENA’s World Energy Transitions Outlook, which underpins this report, cautions that the energy transition is dangerously off-course, necessitating immediate and far-reaching collective action. This report outlines the actions that governments must prioritize to expedite the global energy transition and preserve the 1.5 °C target.”
Bruce Douglas, CEO of the Global Renewables Alliance, emphasised, “tripling renewable energy and doubling energy efficiency represent the most impactful commitments that policymakers can make in the fight against climate change. These steps will result in cleaner electricity systems, broader access to affordable energy, and the creation of clean, green jobs for millions. Scaling up renewable energy rapidly will require close collaboration between policymakers, industry, and civil society to urgently implement the facilitating actions detailed in this report—specifically in infrastructure and system operation, policy and regulation, supply chains, skills, and capacities. Importantly, these efforts must be bolstered by cost-effective financing and international cooperation. Together, we can secure a sustainable future for all.”
The report, drawing extensively from the analysis presented in IRENA’s World Energy Transitions Outlook 2023: 1.5 °C pathway, categorises the critical facilitators into five sections:
- Infrastructure and system operation
- Policy and regulation
- Supply chain
- Scaling-up public and private finance
- Enhancing international collaboration
The partnership between the COP28 Presidency, IRENA and GRA highlights the increasing worldwide agreement on reaching these objectives. In preparation for COP28, the Presidency and the European Commission are encouraging nations to endorse the Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge, and several Champion countries have already pledged their commitment to furthering these global aims.
As part of our commitment to knowledge-sharing, REI will be providing key updates throughout COP28. Keep an eye on our website and socials from 30th November – 12th December to find out more.