IRENA Tasked With Monitoring Progress Of UAE Consensus Renewable Energy And Energy Efficiency Goals By COP28 Presidency

In a landmark move, COP28 President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber has officially assigned the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) the responsibility of producing a dedicated annual report series aimed at monitoring progress and offering recommendations to achieve critical energy objectives set forth in the UAE Consensus ratified at COP28.

At the heart of the UAE Consensus lies the ambition to triple renewable power capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030, pivotal measures in the global fight against climate change and the pursuit of limiting the rise in global temperatures to 1.5°C. The Consensus underscores the imperative of transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources in a fair, systematic, and equitable manner, with the ultimate goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, COP28 President, emphasized the significance of these targets, stating, “Tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030 are central parts of the UAE Consensus, agreed by all 198 Parties at COP28. IRENA’s annual report will track and monitor global progress against these targets, which are crucial in ensuring we turn agreement into action and keep 1.5°C within reach.”

IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera echoed this commitment, expressing, “I confirm the unwavering commitment by IRENA to the successful implementation of the historic UAE Consensus.” He emphasized IRENA’s role as the official Custodian Agency, entrusted with monitoring progress towards the ambitious renewable energy and energy efficiency goals outlined in the Consensus.

The inaugural edition of the annual tracking report, to be developed and published by IRENA annually from 2024 to 2030, will provide comprehensive insights into the progress towards tripling renewables and doubling energy efficiency by 2030. This report will serve as a vital resource, offering timely data and projections to inform future COP engagements and drive tangible action towards a sustainable energy future.