IRENA’s 14th Assembly In Abu Dhabi Propels Global Energy Transition Agenda

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is gearing up for its 14th Assembly, set to commence tomorrow in Abu Dhabi and run through April 17-18, 2024. Chaired by Rwanda, the gathering will draw over 1,300 participants from 144 nations, including Ministers, industry leaders, and CEOs, to strategize collectively in response to the inaugural Global Stocktake’s findings at COP28.

Themed “Outcome of COP28: Infrastructure, Policies, and Skills for Tripling Renewables and Accelerating the Energy Transition,” the 2024 Assembly aims to delineate priorities for the energy transition and catalyze immediate actions toward tripling renewable power capacity to a minimum of 11 terawatts (TW) by 2030.

IRENA’s latest capacity data underscores a persistent shortfall, with only 473 gigawatts (GW) of new renewable power capacity added in 2023, falling far short of the nearly 1,100 GW required annually.

Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA, remarked, “The pace of the energy transition is gaining momentum, but regrettably, it remains off course, characterized by an unacceptable disparity in renewable growth that disproportionately impacts the Global South. Urgent global recalibration is imperative to address this widening gap, lest our collective ambition to triple renewable power capacity by 2030 becomes unattainable.”

H.E. Dr. Jimmy Gasore, President of the 14th IRENA Assembly and Rwanda’s Minister of Infrastructure stressed the need for collective action, stating, “Realizing our climate objectives demands acknowledging that the energy transition encompasses not only technological advancement but also equity and justice. As we convene in Abu Dhabi, let us harness the IRENA Assembly’s convening power to ensure universal access to the benefits of the energy transition, with a focus on marginalized communities.”

Given the pressing imperative for heightened political momentum and global collaboration, the Assembly agenda includes Ministerial and High-level sessions, alongside the Pre-Assembly Day on April 16, 2024. Deliberations will center on tackling investment barriers, fostering innovation, enhancing infrastructure, promoting regional cooperation, refining policy frameworks, and engaging the private sector.

In line with the inclusive ethos of the discussions, today’s activities feature the Legislators Forum, Public-Private Dialogue, and Youth Forum, providing platforms for diverse stakeholders to contribute insights to shaping the Assembly’s agenda.