IRENA Calls For Urgent Renewable Shift To Tackle Global Energy Crisis – Report

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has released an important policy advisory explaining how countries can move from the current energy crisis toward long-term energy security. The report comes at a time when ongoing conflicts in the Middle East have disrupted global oil and gas supplies, causing sudden price increases. These price shocks are affecting food systems, transportation, and overall economic stability across the world.

IRENA clearly states that the best way to protect economies from such fossil fuel disruptions is to rapidly shift toward renewable energy. According to the advisory, countries need to take immediate, medium-term, and long-term actions to build a more stable and secure energy system.

In the short term, covering the next zero to six months, governments are advised to focus on protecting essential services such as healthcare and agriculture. One of the key solutions is to quickly deploy small-scale renewable systems like solar PV and battery-based mini-grids, especially in remote and vulnerable areas. These systems can reduce dependence on expensive diesel fuel. Governments are also encouraged to promote energy-saving habits among citizens through public awareness campaigns. At the same time, removing trade barriers on importing renewable equipment like solar panels and batteries will help speed up deployment.

In the medium term, which is between six and twelve months, the report suggests setting up national-level task forces to ensure that renewable projects and grid infrastructure continue to receive proper funding. Improving system flexibility is another important step. This can be done by increasing the use of battery storage and managing electricity demand more efficiently. The advisory also highlights the importance of promoting clean heating solutions such as heat pumps and biogas systems. Faster approvals for electric vehicle charging stations are also recommended to support the shift to clean transport.

For the longer term, over the next one to three years, IRENA advises countries to create clear and stable policies that attract investment in renewable energy. Developing domestic manufacturing and supply chains for renewable technologies is also important to reduce reliance on imports. The report further suggests that any financial support given to fossil fuel industries should be linked to their progress in adopting renewable energy targets.

The advisory strongly highlights the economic benefits of renewable energy. By 2024, around 91 percent of new renewable power projects were cheaper than fossil fuel alternatives. The cost of solar power has fallen by 87 percent since 2010, while battery storage costs have dropped by 93 percent. This makes renewable energy not just an environmental choice, but also a financially smart one.

Recent data from 2025 and early 2026 shows that countries with higher use of renewable energy are handling the current crisis more effectively. The European Union has saved billions in fossil fuel costs due to increased use of solar and wind power. Spain and Portugal have successfully reduced their dependence on gas for electricity pricing. China, with very low reliance on oil and gas, is less affected by global price shocks. Pakistan and India have also taken steps by expanding solar use and electric cooking, helping households manage energy costs.

The report concludes that the growth of electric vehicles is another strong sign of energy resilience. Countries like China and Vietnam have seen very high EV adoption, which protects people from rising fuel prices. Overall, IRENA emphasizes that a faster transition to renewable energy is essential to ensure affordable, reliable, and secure energy for everyone.