IEA Launches Global Commission To Ensure Fair And Affordable Clean Energy Transitions At G20 Meeting

The International Energy Agency (IEA) recently held its first in-person meeting of the Global Commission on People-Centred Clean Energy Transitions in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, during the G20 energy ministers’ gathering. This newly established Commission aims to ensure that clean energy transitions are fair, affordable, and beneficial for everyone.

Co-chaired by Alexandre Silveira de Oliveira, Brazil’s Minister of Mines and Energy, and Teresa Ribera, Spain’s Deputy Prime Minister, the Commission includes leaders from energy, climate, and labor sectors, as well as representatives from international organizations and civil society. The focus is on creating actionable recommendations for global decision-makers to develop clean energy policies that are equitable and inclusive.

During the meeting, participants discussed a new paper outlining seven key questions related to fairness and affordability in clean energy transitions. Topics included how to make clean energy technologies affordable for low-income and marginalized communities, how to secure decent jobs for workers, and how to ensure meaningful participation from all stakeholders in the transition process. The paper also highlights best practices from various countries addressing these issues.

IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol opened the meeting by emphasizing the importance of making sure the benefits of clean energy transitions reach everyone. He stated that equity and fairness should be central to energy strategies and policies. He expressed gratitude to the co-chairs and other Commission members for their valuable contributions and indicated that the Commission’s work would help empower decision-makers to drive meaningful changes as the world moves toward clean energy.

Minister Silveira stressed the need to address the social aspects of clean energy transitions, stating that it is essential to ensure that vulnerable communities also benefit from these changes. He expressed Brazil’s commitment to collaborating with Commission members to ensure that fairness and inclusivity guide transition strategies.

Deputy Prime Minister Ribera highlighted the importance of combining decarbonization efforts with solutions that improve people’s lives. She encouraged participants to draw inspiration from successful measures and to tackle energy transition challenges while considering the welfare of workers and local communities. In the coming months, the Commission will work on an implementation roadmap that outlines policy tools and options for decision-makers. Members will also explore metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of the strategies and policies implemented.