The Abu Dhabi-based International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) is expected to play a key role in meeting a United Nations objective of doubling the share of renewables in the world’s energy mix by 2030, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said.
In his closing address to the second assembly of Irena on Sunday evening, Ban told nearly 1,000 delegates from 137 countries — representing the European Union and 57 organisations — that the success of the meeting on the eve of the launch of the UN’s International Year of Sustainable Energy for All (SE4All) marked an auspicious start to the initiative.
“Renewable energy is a central element in meeting the Millennium Development Goals related to poverty alleviation, environmental sustainable development and health,” he said. “Sustainability cannot be tackled by isolated action. Irena has provided much-needed political impetus and direction to our efforts.”
Ban said he welcomed the participation of Irena’s director-general Adnan Z. Ameen in the high-level delegation.
Ameen himself noted that more than 100 countries have set ambitious renewable energy targets with many eyeing a 20 per cent share of renewables in their respective energy grids by 2020.
As of 2008, investment in renewable power generation capacity began exceeding that in plants using fossil fuels and, in 2010, reached a record $211 billion (Dh774.81 billion), Ameen said.
Higher output
In the last five years the renewable energy power sector has grown by almost 18 per cent and currently provides more than 19 per cent of power generation worldwide.
Ameen said: “The increasing global interest in renewables is driven by the recognition that renewable energy technologies can address the three defining challenges of our times: energy poverty, climate change, and energy security.”
The changing scenario had helped governments appreciate Irena as the global focal point for renewable energy, he said.
In his final address to the assembly Dr Sultan Ahmad Al Jaber, President of the First Irena Assembly, UAE Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and Special Envoy for Energy and Climate Change, said: “The UAE recognises, like everyone here, the urgency of the widespread adoption of renewable energy technologies — with the aim of mitigating climate change, ensuring energy security and providing universal energy access. The success of Irena is our collective success.”
Highlights
The Assembly approved Irena’s 2012 Work Programme and Budget. “The countries’ decision to significantly increase Irena’s core budget, despite current global financial constraints, is a sign of confidence in Irena and its activities,” Adnan Z. Ameen, Irena Director-General, said.
An important outcome of the assembly was the establishment of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development procedure, which has positive implications for developing countries. Other highlights of the assembly were the interactive Ministerial Roundtables, one of which discussed cooperation with the private sector, while the second focused on policy issues related to Irena’s medium-term strategy.
Activities also included technical meetings of the Global Solar and Wind Atlas, and the competitiveness of renewable power generation. The main events were preceded by a special Irena Pacific Leaders Meeting.
