Global Solar Council Supports Worldwide Renewable Energy Goal

The Global Solar Council (GSC) is pleased to express its support for the recent proposals to establish a worldwide objective for renewable energy, an idea recently endorsed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The GSC is working closely with the Global Renewables Alliance (GRA), like-minded organizations, and governments to expedite the global transition to renewable energy, and it is eager to collaborate with others to achieve this goal.

According to the latest IPCC report, a significant, immediate, and sustained reduction in greenhouse gases is required to ensure a livable future. Renewable energy sources are a practical option available to us to accomplish this, providing governments and industries with the means to work together towards achieving net-zero energy systems by 2040.

The upcoming COP 28 could be an excellent opportunity to establish the first-ever global renewable capacity goal, with nearly 200 countries potentially coming together to reach an agreement. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), a target of at least 1 TW (terawatt) of annual growth is necessary to fulfill the world’s climate objectives. Solar PV, in particular, as the primary source of electricity generation, could produce up to 1 TW of annual additions by 2050, resulting in the creation of up to 60 million jobs worldwide.

Maté Heisz, Chair of the GSC, stated, “We are pleased to see growing momentum for a global renewable energy target. Now is the time for collective action at the highest level, and with the commitments made by the European Commission, IRENA, and the UN, we hope to see renewable energy at the forefront of the agenda at COP 28. The cooperation between the GSC, GRA, and IRENA will be critical in establishing the global target.”