© FotoRieth on Pixabay 24.6.2023 IRENA’s Global Energy Transitions Outlook calls for an annual increase in renewable energy of 1,000 GW by 2030 in order to realistically reach the 1.5°C climate target
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – In the first part of the recently published World Energy Transitions Outlook (WETO) 2023, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) points out that an immediate roadmap correction is needed for the 1.5°C target This calls for a more ambitious global use of renewable energy.
WETO 2023: The 1.5°C Path names electrification and efficiency as key drivers of the energy transition and outlines implementation across all energy sectors. While progress has been made, particularly in the energy sector, with a record 300 gigawatts (GW) of global growth in renewable capacity in 2022, the gap between what is being achieved and what is needed is widening.
We need more ambitious renewable energy targets. By 2030, an average of 1,000 GW per year of renewable capacity is expected to be added worldwide and the direct use of renewable energy in end-use sectors is expected to be significantly increased.
Francesco La Camera, Director General of IRENA, explains: “The harsh reality is that we are not on track to comply with the Paris Agreement. The only option left to us, and at the same time the most promising one, is the science-based path – a path that puts renewable energy at the heart of the solution and brings countries energy security, lower energy costs and industrial development geared towards the future . The energy transition must become our strategic tool for a fairer and more inclusive world. COP28 and the global balance sheet must not only show that we are off the road towards 1.5°C, but also present a strategic plan to get us back on track.”
COP28 President-elect Dr. Sultan al-Jaber, on this: “A goal alone is not enough. This report gives us a solid path to implementation and I welcome IRENA’s recommendations. My calls for renewable energy to triple by 2030 are consistent with this.
The pace of the energy transition depends on how quickly we can introduce zero-carbon alternatives, ensuring energy security so that no one is left behind. We also need political will to create the necessary conditions for a rapid expansion of renewable energies. This should create the framework for end-to-end implementation and provide the necessary and affordable funding for project pipelines. To achieve our 2030 targets, we must take urgent action to accelerate the construction of grid infrastructure, shorten permit periods and reduce the cost of capital in emerging and developing countries.
I am pleased to have recently reaffirmed our joint commitment with the EU to secure maximum multi-stakeholder support at COP28 to triple renewable energy by 2030. The COP28 Chair also announced this week that Kenya will work to triple growth in renewable energy capacity in Africa by 2030.”
The following obstacles standing in the way of the roadmap to the 1.5°C target have been identified:
1. Lack of physical infrastructure
2. Lack of political and legal structure
3. Imbalance in skills and institutional capacity.
A new form of international cooperation is needed to accelerate the energy transition and promote its growth. This requires an assessment of the roles and responsibilities of national and regional bodies, international organizations, international financial institutions and multilateral development banks so that they can make the best possible contribution to the energy transition. It is also important to ensure that funds actually reach those most in need around the world.
WETO provides the analysis and storytelling for COP28 and a call from the COP28 President-elect to build coalitions that support the entire end-to-end renewable energy ecosystem and enable a tripling of renewable energy capacity growth as part of an energy transition fair that leaves no one behind.
IRENA works closely with countries to promote the development and implementation of renewable energy policies and strategies in line with the 1.5°C roadmap outlined in WETO. The agency also provides technical assistance and training to help countries increase the share of renewable energy in their energy mix.
Article posted online by: /Doris Holler/