UN Launches Energy Compact Promoting Renewables For Sustainable Peacekeeping

At the 13th IRENA Assembly in 2023, the United Nations (UN) introduced the Energy Compact on Renewable Energy for Peacekeeping, aiming to diminish the environmental impact of peacekeeping missions while enhancing energy access and supporting host countries’ climate goals. The Compact focuses on boosting operational resilience through increased use of renewables, aligning with the UN Secretariat’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45% and source 80% of its power from renewable energy by 2030.

Under the Energy Compact, partners are advocating for the adoption of renewables in peacekeeping missions, especially crucial as the UN aims to heavily rely on such operations to achieve its renewable energy targets. Through joint efforts and a shared communiqué, partners reaffirmed their commitment to implementing and accelerating actions for decarbonizing peacekeeping operations.

Furthermore, at a ministerial meeting during the 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai last December, partners, including the United Arab Emirates, adopted a declaration to garner global support for the Energy Compact. Acknowledging the opportunity presented by the UN’s 2030 commitment, the collaboration aims to support renewable projects in fragile settings, improving energy access in surrounding communities and addressing conflict and displacement drivers.

In discussions on bringing projects to fruition, participants, including UN peacekeeping representatives, humanitarian organizations, international financial institutions, and energy peace partners, shared experiences on financing and developing renewable energy projects. Tools such as leasing arrangements, power purchase agreements, and Peace Renewable Energy Credits were discussed, with successful implementations in pilot projects in Baidoa, Somalia, and Malakal and Yei in South Sudan.

As the next phase, partners have committed to mobilize technical capacity and financial resources to develop a pipeline of community electrification projects centered around UN humanitarian and peacekeeping sites. By transitioning UN field missions to greater reliance on renewable energy, the Energy Compact partners aim to establish a foundation for sustainable and inclusive development, leaving a positive legacy in adjacent local communities.