Energy leaders to accelerate global energy transition at IRENA meet

Dubai / Emirates Business

Government officials from more than 150 countries including 75 ministers, and leaders from international organisations, the private sector and civil society are gathering this week for the Seventh Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The Assembly will bring together energy leaders to set the global renewable energy agenda and take concrete action to accelerate the ongoing global energy transition.
“2016 was a remarkable year for renewable energy. The falling costs of solar and wind power in markets around the world highlight the increasing cost-competitiveness of renewable energy which has become the preferred option for new power generation capacity in many countries around the world,” said IRENA Director-General Adnan Z. Amin. “In addition, innovations in technology and new business models are bringing renewable solutions to people who previously had no access to energy. These developments, coupled with the entry into force of the Paris Agreement and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, underscore growing momentum for renewable energy and give fresh impetus to the case for transitioning to a sustainable energy future. Efforts now need to turn to scaling-up renewables in end-use sectors such as transportation, industry, and heating and cooling.”
Taking place from January 14-15 at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, with a day of preliminary meetings and discussions on January 13, the Seventh Assembly will focus on the critical role of renewable energy in powering economic growth, combatting climate change, expanding energy access and meeting global sustainable development goals.
“IRENA is now the recognized leader for authoritative and objective knowledge resources on renewable energy costs, resource potentials and employment,” said Mr Amin. “The Agency has also developed practical tools to enable countries to better plan their energy transition. Our annual Assembly provides a critical opportunity for high-level engagement with our Members and partners to examine how international cooperation can speed the transition to a sustainable energy future through concrete action and initiatives.”
The Assembly marks the opening of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week and preceeds the World Future Energy Summit, a global gathering of thousands of energy leaders. IRENA will participate in a number events throughout the week, covering topics ranging from the decarbonisation of energy systems to the scaling up of variable renewable power.